A Graduation to Remember

Colleagues, apprentices, employers and guests came together to celebrate the achievements of our 2026 apprenticeship graduates at our first Apprenticeship Wales Graduation Ceremony on Thursday 3rd September.

The event was a wonderful opportunity to pause, reflect and recognise the dedication, resilience and hard work shown by learners throughout their apprenticeship journeys. The room was filled with pride, gratitude and optimism as graduates celebrated this significant milestone alongside family, friends, employers and Itec colleagues.

Heartfelt Speeches

Guests were inspired by a series of heartfelt speeches that highlighted the transformative impact of apprenticeships. Ceri Murphy reflected on the significance of the occasion, reminding graduates that their achievements demonstrate their ability to grow, adapt and persevere. Lisa Mytton encouraged graduates to take pride in everything they have accomplished and to embrace the opportunities ahead.

Employer representative Leighton Channing from EE spoke about the value apprentices bring to organisations, highlighting their fresh ideas, enthusiasm and willingness to learn. Graduate speaker William Sydney Mainala also shared his personal experience, offering an inspiring insight into the positive impact apprenticeships can have on both professional and personal development. In his speech, he said;

“I am grateful to Itec and the two assessors who took me through from level 2 to level 5. You challenged me in so many ways professionally and that has made me who I am today.”

We were delighted to welcome Member of the Senedd Lisbeth McLean as a guest speaker. Together with our other speakers, she reinforced the importance of apprenticeships in developing skills, confidence and future career opportunities across Wales.

A special congratulations goes to our own colleagues Tim Jones, Hollie Xerri and Milly Thomas, who proudly graduated at the ceremony. Seeing members of the Itec team recognised for their commitment to learning and professional development was a fantastic reminder that lifelong learning is at the heart of everything we do.

A Powerful Reminder

The event was not only a celebration of qualifications achieved but also of the confidence gained, challenges overcome and aspirations realised along the way. It served as a powerful reminder of why apprenticeships matter and the lasting impact they have on individuals, employers and communities.

A huge thank you to everyone who helped organise and deliver the event. From planning and logistics to supporting graduates and guests throughout the day, the success of the ceremony was truly a team effort.

Congratulations once again to all our 2026 graduates. We are incredibly proud of your achievements and look forward to seeing what you accomplish next.