Award-winning Ned gearing up for career success

Award-winning student Ned Pugh is driving forward with his career plans after starting an apprenticeship with Cyngor Gwynedd.

Ned, from Llwyngwril near Dolgellau, was named Engineering Student of the Year in Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor’s 2024 Achievers Awards.

He also won a national prize for developing his financial skills while at college, receiving The Worshipful Livery Company of Wales Financial Numeracy Improvement Award.

Having completed his Level 3 Diploma in Enhanced Engineering last year, Ned is now working as an apprentice fleet technician for Cyngor Gwynedd in Dolgellau.

Alongside his role inspecting and repairing a wide range of vehicles, he is also working towards his Level 2 Diploma in Heavy Vehicle Maintenance and Repair at Coleg Menai’s Llangefni campus.

Emlyn Evans, engineering lecturer at Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor, described Ned as a “model student” with a “bright future” in the engineering sector.

“Ned dedicated himself to his studies,” said Emlyn. “He strived to produce work to an outstanding quality, consistently achieving the highest grades in his coursework.

“Having studied his GCSEs in Ysgol Tywyn, he progressed onto the Level 2 Engineering course at Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor’s CaMDA campus, where he also studied Digital Literacy and Application of Numbers.

“Ned initially concentrated on his practical engineering skills on the Level 2 Engineering course and continued to upskill by completing a Level 2 Fabrication and Welding course.

“As his confidence and skill set improved he took the jump onto the Level 3 Enhanced Engineering course. This is where he excelled further to achieve several awards for his efforts and dedication as a model student.

“Ned achieved his target grade of Distinction at the end of the BTEC Level 3 Enhanced Engineering course, which requires dedication and commitment to perform at this consistent level.

“Any tutor who has come across him in their class would gladly fill every class full of Neds. He has an excellent work ethic and aptitude towards learning, and regularly brought a smile into the class - in fact the staff have never seen Ned without a smile!

“I am proud to have been part of his development and wish him all the best for what I believe will be a bright future in the engineering industry.”

Ned said: “My time at Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor greatly influenced my growth. I learned many skills such as problem-solving and communication. Being a part of group projects like F1 in Schools taught me how to work well with others, which is important for any job. Practical workshop sessions helped me connect what I learned in theory to real-life situations, making it easier to enter the workforce.

“Overall, my experience at Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor prepared me with essential skills and helped me transition into the real world of work.”

Want to learn more about the exciting world of engineering with Grŵp Llandrillo Menai? Find out more about our courses here.