Learners at ACT Training’s spacious new skills centre in Aberdare welcomed Beth Winter MP. The Cynon Valley MP was shown the modern facilities in the three-storey building, on Aberdare’s busy Canon Street, on Monday, October 4.
Mrs Winter took a tour of the accessible centre, spent time with both staff and learners, and heard first hand about the positive impact ACT’s Traineeship programme is having on learners. The MP was told how ACT offers all learners a pathway to employment or further study.
Beth Winter MP said: “It was lovely to spend some time in the brilliant new ACT training centre in Aberdare today.
“It is vital that we have a variety of opportunities and skills pathways for young people in our communities and I came away feeling inspired by the passion of staff and the enthusiasm of learners.”
During the pandemic, ACT made a significant investment in digital technology, to ensure learners received the very best specialised training to prepare for modern work. This investment is ongoing and can be seen in the new centre, where a large state of the art, interactive whiteboard – called a Prowise Touchscreen, takes centre stage. It enables digital collaboration between learners and staff, learning at home, in the classroom, or linking with other centres.
ACT is no stranger to Aberdare, having been previously located in Victoria Square. The new Canon Street centre offers a bigger space for learners, in a more prominent location. The centre also boasts an outdoor space for learning and teaching, with plans for a kitchen garden in the pipeline. It has the capacity for up to 100 learners.
Regional Manager Hollie Keepings said: “The centre has a great location in the town’s main street, but it’s what goes on inside that really counts.
“We aim to provide bespoke support to each individual learner whilst they embark on their learning journey with us, coupled with outstanding wellbeing support – which is core to everything we do.”
ACT Managing Director Richard Spear added: “We were delighted to welcome Beth Winter MP to our Aberdare centre today, to meet our dedicated team and our fantastic learners.
“Beth shares our passion for ensuring everyone in the community has the opportunity to fulfil their potential and we look forward to working with her to improve the economy and skills levels of the Cynon Valley.”
ACT Training has seven centres across South Wales, including Cardiff, Caerphilly, Barry and Bridgend. The newest one in Aberdare offers support and training opportunities to 16-18 year olds looking to join the world of work. Learners can complete a Traineeship in Hairdressing, Childcare, Business Services and more at the specialist site. They are also given advice and guidance on writing CVs, interview techniques and other tips to land their dream job.
