SOUTH WALES hospitality apprentice Shannan Watkins enjoyed a well-deserved celebration at her graduation ceremony as she battles cancer at the age of 26.
Shannan, who lives in Caerphilly and works at Cardiff City Premier Inn, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in June and spent three months in hospital following major surgery.
Having begun four months of chemotherapy treatment earlier this month, she was delighted to turn her attention to her career on Tuesday when she attended a ceremony in Builth Wells to graduate with an Apprenticeship Level 3 in Hospitality Supervision and Leadership.
Shannan was one of the latest crop of nearly 100 apprentices to graduate with Cambrian Training Company, the leading independent provider of hospitality apprenticeships for the Welsh Government.
She completed her apprenticeship about a month before her cancer diagnosis. A duty manager for Premier Inn, she was on secondment with the company’s skills training team at the time.
She really enjoys sharing her knowledge and experience with work colleagues and hopes to return to a role with the training team following her recovery, which will allow her to travel more. She has worked for Premier Inn for three years.
Shannon said: “Doing the apprenticeship has made my job a lot easier because it has helped me understand the theory and boosted my self-confidence. I would definitely recommend doing an apprenticeship.
“I am proud of myself and enjoyed the graduation ceremony, although it was a bit nerve wracking going up on stage to receive my scroll.”
Looking forward to developing her career in hospitality and a healthier future, she added: “I hope that 2025 will be a breeze after what this year has thrown at me!”
She was supported by her mum, Emma and stepdad Paul at the graduation ceremony. They said: “We couldn’t be prouder of Shannan. She knows her strengths, battles through everything and comes out the other side smiling.”
Shannan’s training officer, Chris Darnell, from Cambrian Training Company, said: “Shannan is such a diligent and conscientious learner with a strong drive to succeed. She is willing to take opportunities to climb the career ladder and is always looking to improve herself and the people around her.”
