Apprentice butcher Kane recognised as “outstanding” at annual awards

Kane Deacon-Roberts has overcome many barriers in his life, including dyslexia, to carve out a promising career as an apprentice butcher with NS James Limited in Raglan.

Now 25-year-old Kane, who lives in Cwmbran, has been rewarded for his dedication to learning and developing his career by being named Outstanding individual of the Year at Cambrian Training Company’s annual Apprenticeship, Employment and Skills Awards.

Kane, who didn’t do well at school, is working towards a Foundation Apprenticeship in Meat and Poultry Industry Skills and his boss, Neil James, describes him as a “young man with huge potential”.

Kane has developed a new line of ready to cook products which are selling well and is dedicated to completing his Foundation Apprenticeship with support from his training officer at Cambrian Training Company.

After receiving his award, Kane said: “This is the first award I have ever won and it proves that hard work does pay off. An apprenticeship suits me because it is work-based, hands on and you learn in your job.

“I enjoy working with food and my boss Neil is a great bloke to work for.”

Finn Curran, 25, Forte School of Music (Cardiff) Ltd, who lives in Cardiff, also won an Outstanding Individual of the Year award and the other finalists was Harley Bayliss, 21, formerly of The Metropole Hotel & Spa, Llandrindod Wells who lives in Kington.

Recognising employers and learners who have excelled in apprenticeship, skills and employment training programmes delivered by Cambrian Training Company, the awards were held at The Metropole Hotel & Spa, Llandrindod Wells on June 14.

With offices in Welshpool, Holyhead, Colwyn Bay, Llanelli and Llanelwedd, Cambrian Training Company, one of Wales’ leading training providers, delivers work-based apprenticeships across Wales.

Arwyn Watkins, OBE, the company’s managing director, congratulated Kane and the other award winners and finalists for their achievements despite the challenging disruptions caused by the pandemic over the past two years.

“These awards showcase the dedication and commitment by individuals and companies to the apprenticeship programme here in Wales,” he added. “Kane is an outstanding individual who has demonstrated what can be achieved through an apprenticeship.”

The Apprenticeship Programme in  Wales is funded by the Welsh Government with support from the European Social Fund.

Picture caption:

Kane Deacon-Roberts receives his Outstanding Individual of the Year award from Arwyn Watkins, OBE, managing director of Cambrian Training Company.