A former Coleg Gwent student who made a brave career move to realise her lifelong dream is being recognised for exceptional work during her time at College in a national award ceremony later this month.
Following work in childcare, Caroline Williams, 56 from Newport, went back to College to finally follow her long-held dream of working with plants and wildlife. Now Caroline’s dedication to her NVQ Level 2 Environmental Conservation course is to be rewarded with a City & Guilds Medal for Excellence at the City & Guilds Lion Awards Ceremony in London next month, which brings together medal winners from all over the UK to celebrate their achievements.
A delighted Caroline said: “I’ve always had a passion for conservation and especially plants, but before coming back to College it was sidelined to more of a hobby than a career.
“Things came together just at the right time for me which meant I could finally do the course in conservation I’d wanted to do forty years ago. It was a long time coming but I’ve loved every minute of it, especially the more practical side of things.
“I was shocked to be selected for the award; it was so completely out of the blue that it’s only just sinking in, but I’m very pleased.”
As well as highly developed knowledge and skills, the award, for outstanding performance in the Land based industries sector, recognises Caroline’s innovation and originality. The green-fingered student was instrumental in developing and researching outdoor activities for primary school children at Coleg Gwent’s annual Countryside Experiences, providing them with important opportunities learn more about the countryside environment.
Caroline continues to inspire the next generation and has recently helped to set up a junior conservation group to help local youngsters learn about the environment as part of her volunteering work with Gwent Wildlife Trust and Ringland Woodland and Wildlife Conservation groups.
“From habitat management to hedgelaying or tree planting, Caroline’s work was outstanding,” said Lecturer and Caroline’s nominator Chris Carey. “Nothing was too much trouble because of her enthusiasm for the subject.”
Since leaving College last year, Caroline has wasted no time throwing herself into the work she loves and has put her new skills to good use working in a local plant nursery, an outdoor activity centre and helping schools with the development of their grounds.
Caroline will be presented with her medal at the City & Guilds award ceremony by her tutor Chris Carey on the 26 May 2011.
