SAM ROWLANDS, Member of the Welsh Parliament for Fflint Wrexham has welcomed a new initiative at Coleg Cambria.
The college has announced that they will be offering a new programme MADE, which stands for Maximising Achievement and Developing Everyone which will deliver up to 350,000 hours of coaching and support annually.
The service supports more than 5,000 learners in Deeside, Wrexham, Llysfasi and Northop through a network of more than 40 Progress Coaches, with participants receiving up to 70 hours of guidance each year.
Mr Rowlands, Welsh Conservative spokesperson for Education, Families and the Constitution and keen supporter of the college said:
“I am really pleased to see Coleg Cambria yet again building on its success and offering this new programme which will benefit thousands of students.
“I am a great admirer of the college and its achievements and delighted to see the introduction of this new initiative.
“The college is a leading education provider offering a wide range of courses and it is great to see even more support being given to learners.”
Alex Jelfs, Progress Coach Coordinator at the college, said the support offered through MADE – plays a vital role in helping students succeed both during and beyond their studies.
He said: “With thousands of students across our sites, it creates a supportive environment where they can build confidence, develop life skills and consider their future pathways.”
MADE runs alongside learners’ main studies, from A Levels and BTEC qualifications to vocational courses. Every full-time student is assigned a dedicated Progress Coach and receives an Individual Learning Plan each term to review progress and set goals.
Attendance at MADE sessions stands at 86.7%, closely aligned with overall course figures and reflecting strong engagement across the college.
Sessions explore topics that support both personal and academic development, including safeguarding, online safety, employability and preparation for higher education, alongside wellbeing themes such as resilience, positive self-talk, and physical and mental health.
Cohorts also develop digital awareness, including discussions around emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, while learning about important social issues affecting young people such as substance misuse and County Lines.
Guest speakers and partner organisations contribute throughout the year, with organisations such as Big Ideas Wales and St John Ambulance joining charities and third-sector groups to share experiences and insights.
Lizzie Stevens, Director of Inclusion and Progress at Coleg Cambria, said the initiative demonstrates the college’s commitment to supporting “the whole student”.
For more information, visit Progress Coaches – Student Hub and Coleg Cambria’s website for the latest news and information.
