Youth Access catering student wins gold in Welsh final
This is fantastic news, I really am over the moon for her. Libby’s success is proof that the Youth Access Programme is a highly beneficial programme for learners that require a person-centred approach to learning. Daniel Williams, lecturer in professional cookery.
The Youth Access Programme has helped Libby Bowen propel her studies from minimal school attendance to winning a gold medal for inclusive skills food preparation at the Welsh final of Skills Competition Wales.
She is currently on a catering and hospitality course under the Youth Access Programme which helps young people who aren’t engaging at school, to study at college.
Libby’s school attendance was under 20% as she wasn’t engaging, didn’t like large groups and because she wasn’t happy, it led to a few mental health issues.
Since she was five years old, she has been cooking with her mum and grandmother who are both chefs, and using this passion, a supportive school teacher suggested the Youth Access Programme to Libby’s mum.
Following this, Libby attended an informal interview with her Youth Access worker at college to decide if it was the right path for her and since studying at college, her attendance is now nearly 90% as she’s studying a subject she’s interested in on a full-time basis.
Libby is now training under professional chefs and hospitality staff at the college’s training restaurant, Cegin Sir Gâr in Pibwrlwyd, where practical experience in the kitchen and front of house is encouraged.
Libby Bowen said: “What I enjoy about college is that I want to be here, there is freedom, you’re trusted in an informal environment and the group is small with only seven of us.
“I’ve chosen to study a subject I enjoy and the tutors are supportive.”
Her Youth Access youth worker, Jodie Morgan is always available for any support Libby needs. She said: “Before starting college, the Youth Access Programme invited Libby to take part in transitional activities to help with team building and raising confidence.
“This included a cookery session at a Youth Club where she met other Youth Access students.
“Libby has done really well especially winning a Welsh gold in Skills Competition Wales, that was an amazing achievement but she’s taken every opportunity with both hands and deserves this recognition which will help boost her confidence.”
Professional cookery lecturer, Daniel Williams, added: “This is fantastic news for Libby, I really am over the moon for her, she has worked really hard and is committed to her studies.
“Libby’s success is proof that the Youth Access Programme is a highly beneficial programme for learners that require a person-centred approach to learning.
“Libby has shown passion, excellent focus, commitment to her studies it is a real pleasure to have her thriving in her studies in the catering department at Coleg Sir Gâr.”
The Youth Access programme is supported by Carmarthenshire County Council’s Youth Support Service and is run in partnership with the school, Youth Support Service and the college who all work together to a progression plan for each student, monitoring their wellbeing and general performance.
