A young man from Newport has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award and secured himself a job at the Celtic Manor Resort.

Dominic Evans is one of 36 finalists in 13 categories of the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru 2013, organised jointly by the Welsh Government and the National Training Federation for Wales (NTfW). He is shortlisted for the Traineeship Learner of the Year Engagement award.

The awards recognise the outstanding achievements of learners, employers and providers involved in the delivery of quality apprenticeships and other work-based learning programmes across Wales. The Apprenticeship Programme is funded by the Welsh Government with the support of the European Social Fund.

The winners will be announced at a high profile awards ceremony at the Celtic Manor Resort, Newport on Friday, October 18.

Eighteen-year-old Dominic excelled in his GCSEs but decided to leave school after a year of sixth form and was offered a Traineeship with ITEC as a stepping-stone to more qualifications and a job.

“I didn’t know what I wanted to do and I was very shy,” he said. “As part of the Traineeship I went on a work placement in the kitchens at the Celtic Manor Resort. I absolutely loved it, worked very hard and I didn’t miss a single day during my six-month placement, which resulted in my being offered an apprenticeship.”

Dominic is now a trainee chef, working with the Olive Tree Restaurant kitchen team, which cooks up to 700 buffet breakfasts every day.

“I have a brilliant job and I’m always learning something new. There is no way I could have done this without going through the Traineeship and I am very grateful,” said Dominic.

“I’m very pleased that I’ve been nominated for the award. I work hard because I know that this is my big chance and I'm not going to waste it.”

Dominic will soon start his Level 2 in Food Hygiene and is also taking part in the Celtic Manor's own in-house training programmes.

Joel Williams from ITEC said: “Dominic was a very shy, quiet personality when he joined us but his confidence is going from strength to strength. All who have come into contact with Dominic admire his determination to succeed and speak highly of him.”

Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, Ken Skates said: "The Apprenticeship Awards Cymru remind us of the incredible wealth of talent that Wales has to offer and the outstanding achievements of Wales' learners, employers and learning providers.

“Apprenticeships play an integral role in our economy. Not only do they provide essential skills and qualifications, but are in themselves life-changing opportunities for young people and, for employers, a major investment that's paying real dividend to their bottom line and in the skills of their workforce.

"We know that apprenticeships deliver real business benefits and that’s why the Welsh Government, with support from the European Social Fund, continues to invest heavily in opportunities for young people to take up apprenticeships and continues to support employers who want to invest in the future of their workforce.

"Through their passion and dedication, the finalists announced at this year's awards will inspire countless others to strive for excellence and demonstrate the tremendous impact that vocational training can have. I wish all of our finalists the very best as they continue to make great contributions in their chosen fields."

Showcasing excellence in skills development in Wales, the awards are sponsored by Pearson PLC with support from media partner, Media Wales.

More than 300 key stakeholders from the vocational education and training sector across Wales are expected to attend the high profile awards ceremony, where guests will dine out with chefs from the Welsh National Culinary Team.