Bridgend College learners recognised at 2026 Inspire! Adult Learning Awards
24/09/2026Six Bridgend College learners have been recognised at the 2026 Inspire! Adult Learning Awards, with Honey Jenkins and Shelby Weaver-Slaughter receiving awards and Mantas Puleikis, Paula Cosby, David Charnock and Owen Wrigley being named as finalists.
The Inspire! Adult Learning Awards, coordinated by the Learning and Work Institute, celebrate the achievements of adult learners across Wales and recognise the difference that learning can make to individuals, their workplaces and communities.
Honey, a Level 3 Construction – Brickwork learner, was named winner of the Learner Voice Award.
Alongside her studies, Honey completed an apprenticeship with Taylor Wimpey and has enjoyed further success throughout her apprenticeship journey, having previously been shortlisted for the Tomorrowâs Talent category in 2024 before being named Level 3 Apprentice of the Year at the B-wbl Apprenticeship & JGW+ Learner Awards in 2026.
Shelby, a Level 4 Social Services Practitioner apprentice with Bridgend County Borough Council, was named winner of the Essential Skills for Life Award.
Alongside gaining valuable experience through her apprenticeship, Shelby has developed her skills and confidence through her studies at Bridgend College and was also the recipient of Learner of the Year in Work-based Learning – The Dominic Award at the Bridgend College Annual Awards earlier this year.
Mantas Puleikis was named as a finalist in the Skills for Work category, recognising his achievements through learning and development. Paula Cosby was also a finalist for the Essential Skills for Life Award, following her success at the Bridgend College Annual Awards, where she was named Learner of the Year for Adult Community Learning.
Two further Bridgend College learners were also recognised as finalists, with David Charnock shortlisted for the Ageing Well Award and Owen Wrigley named as a finalist in the Life Change Award.
Denise Brookes-Cooze, Head of Work Based Learning, Bridgend College said:
âItâs fantastic to see Honey and Shelby recognised as winners at this yearâs Inspire! Adult Learning Awards. We are incredibly proud and privileged to have supported these learners throughout their learning journeys and to have seen them grow in confidence, skills and experience. Honey is a remarkable apprentice who has not only mastered her trade, but has also challenged perceptions and championed positive cultural change for women in construction. Shelbyâs determination to overcome her learning barriers and secure her path to university is equally inspiring, and weâre delighted to have played a part in her apprentice journey.
All these learners’ achievements are a real reflection of what can be achieved through adult and work-based learning, and we look forward to seeing where their journeys take them next.â
Honey and Shelby were presented with their awards at a ceremony at The Coal Exchange in Cardiff Bay, joining fellow adult learners from across Wales to celebrate their achievements.
The awards formed part of Adult Learnersâ Week, which celebrates lifelong learning and encourages people across Wales to discover the opportunities that education, training and skills development can provide.
Congratulations to Honey, Shelby, Mantas, Paula, David and Owen on this fantastic achievement.
