THE winner of a national award has spoken of her pride in attaining the recognition.

Julie Mundy, 52, a mother of three from Minffordd, near Porthmadog was named VQ Learner of the Year (Higher) at an annual awards ceremony last week.

She is team leader of the furniture recycling unit at Seren Cyf in Blaenau Ffestiniog, a charity that supports adults with learning difficulties.

Her passion for lifelong learning has seen her complete a Higher Apprenticeship (Level 4) in Systems and Operations Management through training provider Cambrian Training Company.

“I was really surprised to win the award because the other finalists were of such a high standard,” said Julie (seen right with her award).

“I am really pleased for myself, for Heather Martin, my trainer from Cambrian Training Company, and for my whole team.

“Heather deserves a lot of credit because she helped me so much through the training and I would like to train other people in the future. I hope workmates will be as proud as I am because it’s a great place to work.”

A qualified florist who previously worked as a school cook and customer service manager, Julie was forced to find a new job more than five years ago when she was made redundant.

“It was an opportunity to find something that I really wanted to do because I never really thought about a career when I was bringing my kids up,” she explained. “The chance to recycle furniture with Seren Cyf was a big pull and I also wanted to support people with learning difficulties.”

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