From WorldSkills Gold to teaching future engineers: Meet Coleg Menai Engineering Lecturer Osian Roberts
Former Coleg Menai apprentice Osian Roberts has come full circle. After winning a UK-wide engineering competition and honing his skills in industry, he is now inspiring the next generation of engineers at the college’s Llangefni campus.
Osian, who is originally from Caernarfon, began his journey at Coleg Menai as a learner. While working as an apprentice CNC programmer and machinist at Caernarfon-based precision manufacturing firm IAQ, he studied for a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in General Engineering at the college.
His dedication to his studies saw him win a Gold Medal in the CNC turning competition at WorldSkills UK National Finals, a testament to his technical skills and drive for excellence.
Osian said: "Educating and inspiring others has always been a great pride of mine. During my time as an apprentice, I was responsible for teaching new apprentices and work experience students. The combination of my prior experience and the opportunity to teach at Coleg Menai was too good to be true."
Since joining the engineering team as a lecturer in January 2024, Osian has been passing on his industry knowledge to Grŵp Llandrillo Menai students.
For Osian, the most rewarding aspect of further education (FE) is seeing his students' hard work pay off in real-time. Reflecting on one of his favourite teaching moments, he shared the pride of watching one of his learners complete a gruelling five-hour Wales Skills CNC Milling competition.
"The pride he felt was a delight to see – all the hard work had paid off,” said Osian."
Talking about the best thing about teaching in FE, he added: "It's a combination of many factors. The opportunity to work with a variety of highly skilled individuals, to teach a range of learners from different backgrounds, to provide high-quality vocational teaching, and not to mention an excellent work-life balance.”
Osian’s personal goal as an educator is simple: "If I could open the doors to any other person or learner to give them the opportunities I've had, then I would have done a good job."
Osian’s top advice for new students starting this September
With the new academic year just around the corner, Osian has a clear message for prospective students preparing to step onto campus:
Aim high: "The facilities and opportunities available through GLLM are second to none, so make the most of everything offered to you."
Embrace opportunities: "Try new things, take every opportunity that comes your way, and you may discover possibilities you never knew existed."
Interested in starting a hands-on career in industry? Explore our courses and discover where vocational training can take you: https://www.gllm.ac.uk/course-...
