A BUTCHER near Whitchurch has won another award for being an up-and-comer in his industry – just weeks after receiving his first.

Ben Roberts works at ME Traditional Butchers in Overton-on-Dee and has collected two Apprentice of the Year awards, the first one being at the inaugural Wales Food and Drink Awards and the second one at the Cambrian Training Company's annual Apprenticeship, Employment and Skills Awards.

The awards were held in the Metropole Hotel and Spa in Llandrindod Wells on Tuesday, June 14 and recognise employers and learners who have excelled in apprenticeship, skills and employment training programmes delivered by the Cambrian Training Company.

Mr Roberts said: "There was an unbelievable level of competition for this award and the two other finalists were winners in their own right.

"It will take time to sink in that I’m the best out of all the people in the category.

"Apprenticeships give you the opportunity to push yourself in the workplace.

"The progression that’s possible through apprenticeships is huge.

"I am now hoping that I can make it a hat-trick of award at the World Butchers Challenge, which would be a great finish to the year."

Ben will competing for Wales at the World Butchers Challenge in the United States and is progressing in his career by taking an apprenticeship in business management.

A spokesman added: "Ben will also be competing with the Craft Butchery Team Wales at the World Butchers Challenge in America in September.

"He finished finished third in the 2021 World Skills UK butchery competition and has been appointed Skills Excellence in Wales Ambassador.

"Since completing his apprenticeship, Ben has been promoted from shop manager in Overton-on-Dee to managing the entire M. E. Evans business.

"He is now progressing to apprenticeship in business management, with plans to continue his learning journey."

The Cambrian Training Company delivers work-based apprenticeships across Wales and Arwyn Watkins, the managing director congratulated Ben on his latest achievement despite the disruptions caused by Covid-19 over the past two years.

Arwyn added: "These awards showcase the dedication and commitment by individuals and companies to the apprenticeship programme here in Wales.

"Ben has demonstrated what can be achieved in career progression through apprenticeships."

For more information you can contact Cambrian Training Company’s marketing team on 01938 555 89.