Hospitality learners from Pembrokeshire College played a key role in delivering a memorable evening at the Croeso Awards 2026, gaining valuable industry experience while helping showcase the very best of Pembrokeshire’s food, drink and hospitality sector.
Organised by Visit Pembrokeshire and hosted in the atrium at Pembrokeshire College on Thursday 29 October, the prestigious awards brought together tourism and hospitality businesses from across the county for a black-tie celebration recognising excellence, innovation and outstanding customer service. With Welsh sporting legend and Olympic silver medallist Colin Jackson CBE as compère, the evening celebrated the best that Wales has to offer.
Behind the scenes, learners from the College’s Hospitality and Catering programmes worked alongside lecturers and industry professionals to prepare and present dishes for guests attending the event. The occasion provided learners with the opportunity to apply their skills in a high-profile, real-world environment, serving industry leaders, tourism operators and award finalists from across Pembrokeshire.
The evening also highlighted the strong partnership between education and industry, demonstrating how Pembrokeshire College continues to support the development of the next generation of hospitality professionals through hands-on learning experiences.
Guests enjoyed a menu prepared and delivered with the support of learners, whose professionalism, teamwork and commitment helped ensure the event ran smoothly. For many learners, the awards provided valuable experience of working at a large-scale formal event, helping build confidence and industry-ready skills.
The event further showcased the College’s commitment to developing hospitality talent through initiatives such as the twelve-month mentoring programme with The Celtic Collection, giving learners direct access to industry expertise and career development opportunities.
Mel Sharrad-Hughes, Curriculum Manager for Hospitality at the College commented:
“We are incredibly proud of our hospitality learners and staff, who worked tirelessly to support the Croeso Awards and deliver an exceptional experience for guests. Opportunities like this are invaluable in helping our learners develop their technical skills, confidence and professionalism in a live event environment.
“Working alongside leading businesses from Pembrokeshire’s tourism and hospitality sector gives learners a real insight into industry expectations and helps prepare them for successful careers in hospitality, catering and events management.”
The Croeso Awards recognised outstanding achievements across the tourism industry, celebrating businesses, organisations and individuals who contribute to Pembrokeshire’s reputation as one of Wales’ leading visitor destinations. While the evening honoured the county’s tourism success stories, it also provided a platform for aspiring hospitality professionals to demonstrate their skills and play an active role in one of the industry’s flagship events.
The College would like to congratulate all award winners and finalists and thank Visit Pembrokeshire for providing learners with the opportunity to be part of such a prestigious celebration of Pembrokeshire’s thriving tourism and hospitality sector.
