Cardiff and Vale College Hospitality and Catering Lecturer Michael Cook and former learner and College partner Gina Powell have won Inspire! Awards.
Having worked as a baker and pastry chef in Cardiff, Michael returned to education in his 40s. Taking the bold decision to overcome his dyslexia, Michael gained formal chef and bakery qualifications at CAVC. In his final year at college, his lecturer asked if he had ever considered teaching which inspired him to continue his learning journey. After completing a Post-Compulsory Education and Training (PCET), he secured a job delivering on CAVC’s Junior Apprenticeship Programme.
Michael won his Inspire! Award in the Life Change category. He believes dyslexia stunted his culinary career but, having always loved sharing his skills, he’s now motivated to help others, particularly young people with similar learning difficulties to himself.
“Throughout my journey back into education, I realised that, for years, I had actively avoided learning due to my struggles with dyslexia,” explained Michael. “I had convinced myself that I was not academic or intelligent enough to succeed in an educational environment.
“My decision to seek formal qualifications marked a pivotal moment in my life. The rigorous training sharpened my culinary skills and reignited my passion for learning.
“As I progressed through my courses, I realised the importance of education in unlocking new opportunities. It’s very rewarding watching students, whom you have trained and supported, succeed.”
Michael also discovered recently that he has graduated with a 2:1 in his Masters Degree in International Tourism and Hospitality, having studied in Cardiff Metropolitan University at the same time has his daughter Livvy. He had encouraged her to go to university to pursue her dream of working as an events manager.
Michael added: “Education is a way out of poverty and I would encourage anyone to embrace it at any age. I’ll continue to teach, guide and inspire others.”
Gina Powell, Family Engagement Officer at Pencaerau Primary School in Cardiff, also be won an Inspire! Award, in the Learner Voice category.
Having engaged in Family Learning in a school where she was a parent, Gina moved on to initially volunteer as a Teaching Assistant at the school. Gina soon became a paid member of staff at the school and is a passionate advocate for adult learning. She now liaises with CAVC and Adult Learning Cardiff to bring learning opportunities to adults and parents in Ely.
CAVC Deputy Head of Widening Participation Emma McLoughlin said: “Gina’s journey from mum to learner, employee and an ambassador for adult learning demonstrates that having a voice for learning can create generational change for her family and community.
“She’s a pivotal changemaker through her passion, engagement and aspirations for her fellow community members.”
“Being a learning ambassador, I show that life doesn’t end with being a parent – they can become whatever they want to be! I’ve walked in the same shoes as many of the families I support,” said Gina, a mother to three and grandmother to five.
“Maybe learning didn’t happen for them when they were younger but that doesn’t mean it’s too late. I’ve come to understand that learning isn’t just about qualifications; it’s about confidence, belonging and opening doors that people didn’t even know were there.”
What makes her role even more personal is that her daughters now teach at the school, which they previously attended and her grandchildren are pupils.
“With the support of tutors, I’ve seen parents reconnect with learning and gain a renewed sense of self-worth. Whether their goal is university or just the courage to take that first step, I’m here to walk alongside them, because every step forward matters.
“Now, I also get to support other family engagement officers and help open our school up to wider community learning. When we all work together, something amazing happens: our community grows stronger, closer and full of possibilities.”
A highlight of Adult Learners’ Week in Wales, the Inspire! awards recognise those who have demonstrated a commitment to never stop learning. The awards are co-ordinated by Learning and Work Institute with support from the Welsh Government.
Each Inspire! Award winner demonstrates how learning can offer second chances, help create new career opportunities, build confidence and help communities become vibrant and successful.
Cardiff and Vale College Principal Sharon James-Evans said: “Congratulations to Michael and Gina! The work they do is so important, valuable and life-changing in so many different ways, making them both extremely deserving winner of these awards.”