A WREXHAM apprentice has been selected as one of just 20 young people in the UK – and only two in Wales – to represent the country on an international humanitarian project in Ghana.
Georgia Ellams, a first-year Airbus Degree Apprentice at Coleg Cambria University Centre in Deeside, will travel to Accra this Christmas after being chosen to complete the prestigious Scouts of the World Award, one of the highest international honours in the Scouting movement.
Georgia, from Wrexham, attended St Joseph’s High School and Ysgol Dinas Brân Sixth Form in Llangollen, and has long held a passion for mechanical and aerospace engineering.
The 19 year-old is currently studying through the Airbus Degree Apprenticeship programme at Coleg Cambria, combining academic learning with hands-on industry experience, and hopes to pursue a future career in aerospace engineering with the RAF.
“I’ve always been interested in how things work, particularly aircraft,” said Georgia, speaking during National Apprenticeship Week.
“The degree apprenticeship route felt like the perfect opportunity. The support from Coleg Cambria and Airbus has been incredible and has really helped me grow in confidence.”
Alongside her studies, Georgia is heavily involved in the Scouting movement.
A Scout Leader with the Bishop’s Own group in Wrexham, she is also the 14–24 Team Lead for Wrexham Scouts District.
She has been part of Scouts since the age of five and previously represented the UK at the World Scout Jamboree in South Korea at 16.
Working with the charity Village by Village, Georgia will spend two weeks living within communities in Ghana, supporting projects that could include teaching first aid, improving access to clean water or helping to build schools. All project materials will be fundraised in advance by the volunteers.
“I get so much from Scouts, I honestly don’t think I’d be pursuing this career or have had the confidence to secure a place with Airbus, without my journey through Scouting,” she said.
“It’s pushed me to challenge myself and grow.”
Salah Berdouk, Curriculum Director for Advanced Engineering at Coleg Cambria Deeside, said: “Georgia is an exceptional young person and a real inspiration. We are extremely proud of her achievements.
“She represents everything National Apprenticeship Week stands for – ambition, opportunity and giving back to the community.”
Georgia added: “I’m incredibly excited for this opportunity. Being part of Scouting allows me to test myself, give back and develop skills that will benefit me throughout my career. I feel very privileged to be able to take part.”