A FORMER Ysgol y Presli pupil has scooped the Industry Engagement Award in the Next Tourism Generation Competition 2020.

Evan Davies, a Level 3 hospitality student now studying at Pembrokeshire College, is passionate about progressing in the hospitality industry and was encouraged to enter the competition by his tutors.

Evan’s submission included a 500-word summary about his experiences so far alongside a three-minute video showcasing the skills he has acquired and how he has embraced every opportunity to work alongside industry professionals to build his skills.

Alongside working in one of Pembrokeshire’s finest restaurants – Blas at Twr y Felin Hotel - the former Crymych school pupil impressed judges with his ambition and his clearly evidenced proactivity in maximising every opportunity for industry engagement.

Launched in January, the Tourism Society Cymru, in partnership with the Next Tourism Generation (NTG) project based at Cardiff Metropolitan University, invited students from colleges and universities across Wales to pitch their best experiences of industry engagement, digital innovation and sustainable tourism, with the aim of bringing together students and leading industry representatives to identify best practice in learning.

John Walsh-Heron, chair of Tourism Society Cymru said: “This competition supports our goals in Wales to bring tourism sectors together to network and develop best practice, support academic development and encourage understanding of sustainable tourism.

“Students today have a unique view of the world around them and can be innovative in their future careers demonstrating new ways we can open up our hospitality offer.”

Pembrokeshire College curriculum area manager for hospitality, Lucy Good, supported Evan’s submission and said: “Evan works incredibly hard both at college and at Blas Restaurant. His commitment and passion for the industry is evident and it’s great to see that the panel have been able to recognise this through his work.

“Evan’s goal is to eventually run his own kitchen, providing others with the opportunity to come into the industry – I don’t doubt that he will become a great mentor in the future”.

Evan was due to collect his award at a ceremony on March 25 at Cardiff Met but this was postponed until further notice because of the coronavirus pandemic.