Recognising “the outstanding achievements of learners, employers, tutors and assessors who have excelled in contributing to the development of the Welsh Government’s Traineeships and Apprenticeship Programmes,” the annual ceremony is co-run by the Welsh Government and the National Training Federation for Wales (NTfW).
Martin, who achieved a foundation apprenticeship in professional cookery with Cambrian Training Company, was named its Foundation Apprentice of the Year and was also runner up in the Junior Chef of Wales contest.
He currently works as chef de partie at Holm House Hotel (Penarth), and has undertaken work experience at top UK establishments, including Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, Michel Roux Jr’s Le Gavroche and Marcus Wareing at the Berkley.
He said: “Work experience has been a great and who wouldn’t take the opportunity to work in three Michelin starred restaurants at the age of 20 or 21.
“It altered what I wanted out of my career and made the path that I needed to go down a lot clearer. My ambition is to have my own restaurant in Cardiff championing Welsh ingredients. I want to fly the flag for Wales.”
Minister for Welsh Language and Lifelong Learning, Eluned Morgan added: “Apprenticeship Awards Cymru showcase the success of the Welsh Government’s Apprenticeships and Traineeships Programmes and the achievements of our star apprentices, employers, learning providers and trainees.
“Apprenticeships are a great way for individuals to gain valuable skills and experience while earning a wage and for employers to ensure their workforce has the skills to future proof a business.
“Increasing higher level skills and developing skills pathways that benefit the whole of Wales have never been more important.”
Apprenticeship Awards Cymru winners will be announced on 9 November at the Celtic Manor Resort (Newport).