At a glance

Georgia Ellams, a 19-year-old Airbus apprentice from Wrexham, completed the Welsh Three Peaks Challenge to raise funds for a humanitarian mission to Ghana. She is one of 20 young people from the UK selected to work on projects improving education and clean water access in Accra. Her efforts are part of the Scouts of the World Award, highlighting her commitment to community service and leadership.

Award-winning Airbus apprentice Georgia Ellams conquered three of the country’s most iconic peaks in just 24 hours as she steps up fundraising for a humanitarian mission to Ghana.

The 19 year-old, from Wrexham, completed the Welsh Three Peaks Challenge, taking on Pen y Fan, Cadair Idris and Yr Wyddfa as part of her drive to raise funds ahead of travelling to Accra this Christmas.

Georgia, one of just 20 young people from across the UK - and only two from Wales - selected for the international project, will spend two weeks working with communities to improve access to education and clean water, including the construction of a rainwater harvesting system.

The challenge caps a memorable year for the former St Joseph’s High School and Ysgol Dinas Brân Sixth Form pupil, who was also named Coleg Cambria Degree Apprenticeship Learner of the Year at the college’s Student Awards this summer.

Georgia is studying for a Degree Apprenticeship in Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering with Airbus at Deeside, where she has consistently achieved top grades and is working towards a first-class degree while gaining valuable hands-on industry experience.

She said: “The Welsh Three Peaks Challenge was a huge test, but I wanted to do something that would really push me and hopefully raise more awareness and support for the project in Ghana. “I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported me so far. Every donation will help us make a difference to the communities we will be working with, so any contribution, however big or small, would mean a lot.”

Georgia will undertake the humanitarian project with charity Village by Village as part of the prestigious Scouts of the World Award, one of the highest international honours in Scouting.

A Scout Leader with the Bishop’s Own group in Wrexham and Youth Lead for Wrexham Scouts District, she has been involved in the movement since the age of five and previously represented the UK at the World Scout Jamboree in South Korea.

Her commitment to Scouting has played a significant role in developing the teamwork, confidence and leadership skills she has brought to her studies and apprenticeship.

Salah Berdouk, Curriculum Director for Advanced Engineering at Coleg Cambria Deeside, said: “Georgia is an exceptional Degree Apprentice who consistently achieves top grades, but what also stands out is her kindness, positivity and willingness to support others. “Her involvement in this humanitarian project reflects her dedication and strong values, while her experiences in Scouting have helped shape her teamwork and leadership. “We were delighted to recognise those qualities by naming her our Degree Apprenticeship Learner of the Year and are extremely proud of everything she has achieved.”

Georgia plans to continue her studies before pursuing her ambition of a career in aerospace engineering.

Editorial insight

Stories such as this illustrate the growing opportunities for young people to combine technical training with meaningful social impact, both locally and internationally. While individual fundraising efforts are not uncommon, the combination of an advanced apprenticeship with a significant humanitarian project highlights the scope for apprentices to apply their skills beyond the workplace.

For the aerospace sector, the involvement of apprentices in international volunteering can help foster broader skills and a sense of social responsibility, qualities increasingly valued by employers. Georgia Ellams’ achievements also reflect the wider emphasis on STEM pathways and community engagement within vocational education, offering a practical example for others considering similar routes.

Story ideas and journalist angles

Human interest

The Role of Scouting in Developing Leadership Skills Amongst Young Women

Georgia Ellams' achievements highlight the significant role Scouting plays in fostering leadership and personal development, particularly among young women aspiring for careers in challenging fields like aerospace engineering.

Target audience national-news Story potential 6/10 Local/community

Youth-led Humanitarian Efforts in Ghana: A Spotlight on Local Contributions

Georgia Ellams' fundraising and participation in a humanitarian mission to Ghana highlights local youth involvement in global aid efforts, showcasing how individuals from small communities can impact international development.

Target audience regional-news Story potential 7/10