A business which supplies responsibly sourced local seafood to customers including Michelin starred restaurants across North Wales has netted an award for his commitment to work-based learning.
The Menai Seafood Company, based at Porth Penrhyn, Bangor, was named Micro Employer of the Year at the annual Apprenticeship, Employment and Skills Awards organised by Cambrian Training Company, one of Wales’ top training providers.
Employing nine staff, including two apprentices, The Menai Seafood Company’s owner Mark Gray says the growing business’ reputation for supplying premium quality seafood has been enhanced by the skills and knowledge developed by its apprentices.
The Menai Seafood Company’s apprentices Erwan Stevens (left) and Joe Hembrough.
Cambrian Training Company delivers Level 2 and 3 Apprenticeships in Fish and Shellfish which are tailored to meet the development needs of both the apprentices and the business.
Responding to the award, Mark said:
“This is a fantastic accolade for our company which recognises the value we place on our apprentices and their achievements. We are passionate about upskilling our staff and giving them every opportunity to improve as much as they can.
“The apprenticeship programme will give us a highly skilled, rounded workforce that can meet the needs of both highly qualified chefs and the less experienced chefs who need a gentle nudge to buy local seafood and appreciate freshness.
“Since starting their apprenticeship, our apprentices have shown great innovation, experimenting and enthusing the public and chefs with their seafood products and preparation.”
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.
The other Micro Employer of the Year finalist was Freedom Saddlery and Whitegate Farm Livery and Training Centre at Hope, near Wrexham.
With offices in Welshpool, Holyhead, Colwyn Bay, Llanelli and Llanelwedd, Cambrian Training Company delivers work-based apprenticeships across Wales.
Arwyn Watkins, OBE, the company’s managing director, congratulated The Menai Seafood Company 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. The Menai Seafood Company has demonstrated a commitment to workforce development and is actively encouraging its employees to progress which is very important to every business.”
The Apprenticeship Programme in Wales is funded by the Welsh Government with support from the European Social Fund.
