News Story
Nov 2014 / Learners
Published: NTFW
A Cardiff-based training provider’s creative and innovative approach to the delivery of Apprenticeship Programmes that deliver results for the learner and the employer has been recognised by award judges.
ACT Training won the Provider Award for Social Responsiveness at the high profile Apprenticeship Awards Cymru 2014 ceremony, held at the Celtic Manor Resort, Newport on Friday (October 31). The company was also a finalist in the Apprenticeship Provider of the Year category.
“This award is recognition of all the hard work we are doing for young people to improve their quality of life,” said delighted managing director Andrew Cooksley. “We see it as our responsibility to step up to the plate to do something to help them because it really matters.”
Organised jointly by the Welsh Government and the National Training Federation for Wales (NTfW), the awards showcase excellence in skills development in Wales by learners, employers and learning providers. Sponsor is Pearson PLC and media partner is Media Wales.
The awards recognise employers who commit to developing their workforce through apprenticeships and other work-based learning programmes, which support employees during their training. They are also a great way to evaluate training and development, as well as a fantastic motivational factor for any workforce or learner.
The Apprenticeship Programme in Wales is funded by the Welsh Government with support from the European Social Fund.
Being socially responsive is at the core of ACT Training which provides an “open door†culture to training, learning and development. The company promotes social inclusion and encourages learners from under-represented groups to support their achievements in training and learning.
ACT has provided a range of initiatives that address the Welsh Government’s cross-cutting themes on the delivery of work-based learning, including two academies to provide an alternative to mainstream school for young people disengaged with education.
As well as engaging learners at all levels with work-based learning, the company also instils the importance of social responsiveness, particularly with environmental issues.
“We provide a highly engaging curriculum which balances core qualifications, such as GCSE maths and English, with vocational opportunities,” said Jayne McGill, ACT Training’s marketing manager.
ACT Training works with employers from the outset to engage them in the delivery of programmes, ensuring they are actively involved in what is an important investment for them and their learners.
Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, Julie James said: “Apprenticeships are one of the most practical and cost effective ways for a business to build a skilled workforce. An apprentice can learn the skills an employer needs to keep pace with developments in their industry and deliver the service customers demand.”
“Providers like ACT Training play a key role in helping the Welsh Government to deliver work based learning programmes to train and develop the nation’s workforce.”
More than 400 key stakeholders from the vocational education and training sector across Wales attended the high profile awards ceremony, where guests dined out with chefs from the Culinary Team Wales.
