Meet ... Gareth

"

I started my CAVC journey about nine years ago. After a long career in Hospitality I faced redundancy from my role as a manager for a housing association so applied for a temporary part time role at CAVC as a catering assistant, whilst I explored my options. 

Very quickly I was asked to apply for a permanent full time Hospitality Technician post and two years later was promoted to Senior Technician, responsible for food safety management across three campuses. 

The best thing about working for CAVC is the opportunity to pursue Continuous professional development, I was encouraged to undertake a level 4 food safety management course shortly followed by a level 3 Assessor certificate and then an introduction to teaching course. Before I knew it I was delivering food safety training and assessing learners in the classroom, alongside my role as senior technician. 

Although I originally trained as Chef, at Barry college of further education, I was always a passionate baker and was grateful for the opportunity to undertake a Level 3 FDQ in Bakery course alongside my regular duties. 

Next my line manager told me about CAVC’s “aspire to teach” programme and put me forward for a two-year part-time teacher training course fully funded by the college. 

I became a fully qualified lecturer in Hospitality in 2023 and have been in a teaching role ever since. 

Other opportunities offered by the college have seen me attend training courses and workshops around the UK and abroad, developing my professional Skills and last year we took a group of learners to a national Bakery competition which I also entered and won a silver medal for my Sourdough Bread. 

For me personally the highlight of my CAVC journey came in June 2024 when I was elected to a full membership of the Royal Society for Public Health, something that was only made possible with the help and support of CAVC. 

"