Ystradgynlais, Wales – A woman who survived a life-altering gas explosion that destroyed her home has been recognized for her outstanding leadership at a local preschool. Jessica Williams, 34, faced severe burns on 70% of her body and spent weeks in a coma following the tragic incident in Seven Sisters, Neath Port Talbot, in 2020. Despite the immense challenges she encountered, Williams was named higher apprentice of the year for her dedication and hard work at the Ser Bach y Cwm nursery in Ystradgynlais.
The prestigious award was presented to Williams at an event organized by the Welsh government in collaboration with the National Training Federation for Wales (NTFW). Williams, a mother of two, defied the odds and overcame her life-changing injuries to complete a higher apprenticeship in children’s care, paving the way for a successful career in early childhood education.
Reflecting on her remarkable journey, Williams expressed gratitude for the opportunity to recover and thrive in her role as a preschool leader. Recalling the tragic explosion that left her critically injured, Williams highlighted the transformative impact of the apprenticeship program provided by ACT Training in helping her rebuild her life and attain professional success.
The explosion, which occurred in June 2020, not only caused extensive damage to Williams’s home but also left her two young sons with significant burns. Despite the harrowing ordeal, Williams found strength in adversity and credited the apprenticeship program for empowering her to establish a fulfilling career in early childhood education.
In addition to Williams’s inspiring story, the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru recognized other individuals and businesses for their exceptional achievements. Dr. Ali J Wright, founder of Needle Rock, an upholstery business in Llanrhystud near Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, was honored as the small employer of the year. Leveraging her passion for restoring old furniture, Dr. Wright has successfully transformed her hobby into a thriving enterprise that employs four individuals.
Dr. Wright’s dedication to her craft and commitment to supporting vocational education in Wales underscored the diverse talents and contributions of apprenticeships across various industries. As the winners and finalists set a new standard for vocational education in Wales, the awards ceremony celebrated the remarkable potential and achievements of individuals like Jessica Williams and Dr. Ali J Wright in shaping a brighter future for the region’s workforce.