An aspiring builder has been recognised for his skill at the ‘Guild of Bricklayers Annual Bricklaying Competition’ gaining the title ‘Guild of Bricklayers Junior Welsh Champion’.

Zac Timothy, 18, who is studying Level 2 Bricklaying at the Ystrad Mynach campus of Coleg y Cymoedd, came first in the annual competition, rivalling competitors from over 11 different colleges in Wales. The competition took place at Neath Port Talbot Group’s Newtown Campus.

During an intense five-hour contest each competitor had the challenge of building the best brick wall with specific features to demonstrate their ability in the field. Ultimately Zac’s technical skills and attention to detail earned him the title of Wales’ top Junior Bricklayer.

Speaking of his experience at the competition, Zac, from Markham said, “The competition was really challenging, especially as it was my first time in a competitive situation. When the judges were announcing the 2nd and 3rd places my heart was pounding, and when they announced my name in first place I couldn’t believe it; I was chuffed!”

After completing his studies, Zac is hoping to move to Australia to become a builder but already has his eyes set on next year’s competition.

He continued to say, “I’ll progress onto an advanced course in bricklaying after I qualify at the end of this year, so hopefully I can continue the success at next year’s competition. Coleg y Cymoedd actually put my name forward to participate and have been extremely supportive throughout.

Zac’s fellow learner Daniel Watkins, 20 from Merthyr Tydfil, also participated in the senior round of the competition, however was unsuccessful in the strong field of competitors.

Commenting on Zac’s success, Principal of Coleg y Cymoedd, Judith Evans, said, “Zac is a credit to our college; he exemplifies how hard work and dedicated tuition provide learners with excellent vocational opportunities and real jobs in a diverse range of industries and recognised trades. We wish him every success in the future.”

Two aspiring young film makers have got one step closer to achieving their dreams after winning a Welsh film award.

Alycia Pritchard, 20, and Scarlett Clarke, 18, both in their final year studying Creative Media Production at Coleg y Cymoedd’s Nantgarw campus, wowed the judges at the Zoom Cymru Young Film Makers Awards with their commemorative short film about World War One. The budding film makers were given the accolade of Best Experimental Film, beating two other shortlisted films to the post.

Initially part of a course assignment set in November 2014 to commemorate the centenary year of WW1, learners Alycia and Scarlett impressed staff members throughout the college with their high quality film making. The film, called ‘Goodbye Mam’ is an emotional tale of a mother and her son sending letters to each other during the war, and eventually saying goodbye. The film was directed and produced by Alycia and Scarlett respectively.

Recognising their talents, Coleg y Cymoedd tutor Amanda Stafford was quick to encourage the two learners to enter their film into the Zoom Cymru Awards. The awards are held as part of the wider Zoom International Youth Film Festival which took place during the last week of March across seven venues in the South Wales Valleys. The festival included a mix of workshops and masterclasses by expert tutors and filmmakers passing on advice and knowledge to the aspiring young film makers. The awards ceremony took place on the final night in Bridgend.

On winning the award, director Alycia from Caerphilly, said: “It was completely surreal to win! It felt like a great achievement especially as the other films in our category were really good.

“It was amazing to see the creativity of all the film makers there, some even as young as 10. I’m really glad my tutor encouraged us to enter the awards.”

Scarlett, from Llantwit Fardre, dedicated the award to her late Uncle who was a great fan of her film making: “I know my Uncle would be really proud of us for winning. This was my favourite project to date so it was great to have won an award for it at the same time!”

Both Alycia and Scarlett have dreams of working in the television industry eventually, with conditional offers to study film at the University of South Wales this coming September.

Tutor, Amanda Stafford, spoke of their achievements: “We are extremely proud of Alycia and Scarlett’s achievement. Their film really captured the tragedy of WW1 in Wales and it is great to see them get the recognition they deserve.”

Staff and apprentices at Coleg y Cymoedd’s plumbing department are celebrating, as one of their own is crowned Wales’ top plumbing apprentice for the second year running.

Scott Fuller, a third year plumbing apprentice studying at Coleg y Cymoedd’s Ystrad Mynach campus, fended off rivals from across the country to become the Welsh representative at Heating Engineers Installers & Plumbers magazine’s Apprentice of the Year UK final.

The Welsh final saw Scott, 20, from New Tredegar, competing against apprentices from eleven other colleges. During an intense six-hour contest each competitor tackled the challenge of installing a shower, w/c, hand basin and saniflo (macerator) system against the clock; Ultimately Scott’s technical skills and attention to detail earned him the title of Wales’ top plumbing apprentice.

Following his success at the event, held at Bridgend College, Scott will now go on to represent his country at the two-day UK finals, in Cheltenham on 29th and 30th of April.

Speaking of his victory and the upcoming finals, Scott said: “It was fantastic to win the Welsh final last year, but for a second year running is amazing. I feel much more confident for the national finals this year as I know what to expect and the level of work that is required.

My tutors have been brilliant, they have continually built my confidence and improved my skills significantly over the last year, and even offered me an apprenticeship. The UK finals will be a challenge but I hope it will lead me to gaining further skills and experience I need to gain my full plumbing qualification.”

Scott’s Plumbing tutor Lee Perry said: “For Scott to win the regional event last year was an excellent achievement, but for him to win for a second year running shows Scott’s commitment, enthusiasm and determination to become an excellent engineer. Scott throughout the year has improved in all aspects of the trade.”

As a Level 3 student and apprentice, Scott’s time is split between college based learning at Coleg y Cymoedd’s Ystrad Mynach campus, and his apprenticeship with Perry Plumbing Solutions.

Commenting on Scott’s success, Judith Evans, principal of Coleg y Cymoedd, said: “Scott is a credit to our college; he exemplifies how hard work and dedicated tuition provide learners with excellent vocational opportunities and real jobs in a diverse range of industries and recognised trades. We wish him every success at the nationals”.

A former Coleg y Cymoedd learner has achieved literary recognition from the world’s most well-known online book retailor, Amazon.

Aaron George, who is a former learner at the college’s Ystrad Mynach campus, is the author of a fascinating new book for anyone over the age of 40 who is self-confessed computer-illiterate.

Amazon will stock the book ‘The Oldies Guide to Using a Computer’ written by the 20 year old computing learner from Tretomas.

The author completed his Level 3 Extended Diploma in IT and used his knowledge from his course and natural wit to create this amusing guide. The budding author progressed to study IT at The University of South Wales.

The light hearted publication is explained as being full of “invaluable advice for parents, aunts, uncles and grandparents, from a frustrated nerd, on what not to do when you can’t do what you’re trying to do.”

Speaking of his personal inspiration for the book, Aaron said: “I created this ‘guide’ because I’m fed up of certain people (I shall name nobody) asking for help with the most basic computer-related tasks.”

“A lot of work went into getting the book ready for publishing, but because the topic was so interesting it didn’t feel like work at all.”

Head of Computing at Coleg y Cymoedd Dean Howells said “It is fantastic that Aaron has been able to apply the technical skills he learnt with us to produce a light hearted and relevant publication, which I am sure is going to be very popular. He exemplifies the confidence and entrepreneurship we try and instil in our learners no matter what path they take. We are extremely proud of Aaron and wish him all the best.”

To purchase your copy of ‘The Oldies Guide to Using a Computer please visit: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Oldies-Guide-Using-Computer-Second/dp/1505249198/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1429140982&sr=8-1&keywords=the+oldies+guide+to+using+a+computer

A 21 year-old from Pontypridd has won the Skills Competition Wales final in hairdressing – advanced level, as part of a Welsh Government-backed initiative to boost skills levels across Wales.

Christopher Miller, from Coleg y Cymoedd, competed against 19 other students from across Wales. The finalists had to complete a cut, colour and blow dry within a three hour time period.

Christopher, who is studying an NVQ Level 3 in Hairdressing and also works at La Chop hair salon in Pontypridd, said: “On the day I chose a fire red ‘crazy colour’ for the top section and a dark violet colour for the bottom section of the mannequin.

“The judges were looking for a slick sharp finish on the colour and a well styled cut and blow dry. I was the first competitor to finish, completing all tasks within two hours andI thought I wouldn’t be placed at all, so I was really shocked to hear them announce my name.

“In the future I would like to travel the world working as a hairdresser developing my skills and earning money as I go. My dream would then be to come back to Wales and open my own barber shop.”

Skills Competition Wales is designed to promote the importance of vocational skills and developing a highly-skilled workforce with the aim of boosting the overall skill level and prosperity of Wales.

Supported by the European Social Fund, the Welsh Government is funding a total of 32 Skills Competitions in 2015 in a range of sectors, from construction and car mechanics to patisserie and nail art.

Christopher will now go forward to represent Coleg y Cymoedd in the WorldSkills UK Hairdressing competition with the aim of representing Team Wales at this year’s Skills Show in Birmingham in November.

This year, competitors representing Squad UK are in the running to travel to São Paulo. The competition takes place every two years in cities across the globe and is the largest international skills competition in the world.

Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, Julie James AM said:

“Having a highly skilled workforce is essential for the future of our country. It’s important to highlight the value of practical vocational skills that can be applied to our thriving industries in Wales.

“Skills Competition Wales aims to encourage young people and adults to develop their talents to the highest possible level and the healthy competition will set a benchmark for skills.

“Dozens of colleges, Sector Skills Councils and work-based learning providers across Wales are already involved in the initiative but we’re keen to see more Welsh businesses encouraging their talented young employees to enter.”

The Deputy Minister added: “It takes hard work, sheer determination and a lot of skill to compete against Wales’ most talented apprentices and learners, so their achievements should be commended and celebrated.

“We wish Christopher and all the other finalists and winners the very best of luck in the careers they go on to pursue.”

On 16th April, Coleg y Cymoedd will host an Advice Day. The Advice Day will run from 4pm to 7pm and will provide an opportunity for prospective learners and their families to explore the college’s facilities and learn more about available courses.

Coleg y Cymoedd has committed to putting its learners at the forefront of a new strategy in the face of severe budget cuts to the sector.

The college has agreed to release 41 full-time equivalent members of staff on a voluntary redundancy basis as part of a bid to combat the huge budget cuts facing the further education sector in Wales and save the college around £1.3million annually.

The college entered into a voluntary redundancy process with staff in January 2015 following the announcement that Welsh Government was reducing further education college budgets by £29.9million across the sector.

Coleg y Cymoedd, which has five campuses in Nantgarw, Aberdare, Rhymney, Rhondda and Ystrad Mynach, serves around 20,000 learners from across the Valleys and surrounding areas and employs around 1,000 staff.

Judith Evans, Principal at Coleg y Cymoedd, said: “We are working hard to ensure that impact of these cuts is felt as little as possible by our learners. By entering into a voluntary redundancy process we are able to make some contribution towards plugging the shortfall we will be left with as a result of these budget cuts and we will ensure we do all we can to reduce costs by voluntary measures. We are also re-opening the voluntary redundancy process once again to ensure we have maximised any potential cost savings.

“We will continue our commitment to current and prospective learners by promising that our investment programme, which includes a state-of-the-art motor vehicle provision at its Ystrad Mynach campus, a railway centre of excellence at Nantgarw and a new town centre campus in Aberdare will continue in order to provide the best environment for them to prosper.”

The college has not agreed to the release of 11 staff members on a voluntary redundancy process on the basis that the experience and expertise of the individuals is required in order to continue our delivery of curriculum and support services to learners. There are also a further eight applications on hold while it considers if these posts can be filled from elsewhere in the college.

Like other further education providers across Wales, Coleg y Cymoedd has also received a 50% cut in funding for its part-time course provision. As a result there will be a reduction in the number of part-time courses available from September 2015 but the college is committed to ensuring that current learners are able to continue their studies.

Judith Evans continues: “We have an extremely talented and committed team of academic and support staff at Coleg y Cymoedd and we are doing our best to ensure that they feel supported and reassured during this period of change in order that they can continue to inspire and encourage our learners.

“The reduction in our part-time course funding is a blow for us but we will ensure we prioritise those courses that have a real impact on the economy and positive outcomes in an area where it is much needed. We are also hopeful that we will be able to secure some European funding to help increase part-time provision again in the future.”

Alexander Dighton, a student at Coleg y Cymoedd, was asked to draw a computer aided design of a wobbler engine.

A Cynon Valley teenager has won a Wales-wide competition in advanced mechanical engineering.

Alexander Dighton, 18, from Aberdare, has won the Mechanical Engineering Computer Aided Design (CAD) Skills Competition Wales final, beating 14 engineering students in the Welsh Government-backed event.

The Coleg y Cymoedd student, studying a Level 2 Parametric Modelling City and Guild qualification, was asked to draw a CAD of a wobbler engine, made up of more than 50 different parts in a four-hour time period.

The judges were looking for design skills and also checked if the final model was assembled in a realistic way, so it would run in real life.

Alexander said: “I found assembling all of the tiny details on the CAD drawing the most difficult part of the competition.

“As well as studying full time engineering at Neath Port Talbot College, I’m also working towards a part time Level 2 Parametric Modelling City and Guild qualification at Coleg y Cymoedd, so finding the time to practise was also extremely challenging.

“I didn’t expect to win at all. I came second in the robotics category last year and I competed at the skills show but I didn’t place, so it shows that my skills are developing. I‘m proud to hopefully go forward and represent Wales.”

Alexander, who will one day like to be an engineer in the Royal Air Force, will now go forward to compete in the World Skills UK Mechanical Engineering CAD competition, with the aim of representing Wales at November’s skills show in Birmingham.

Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology Julie James AM added: “Having a highly-skilled workforce is essential for the future of our country. It’s important to highlight the value of practical vocational skills that can be applied to our thriving industries in Wales.”

“It takes hard work, sheer determination and a lot of skill to compete against Wales’ most talented apprentices and learners, so their achievements should be commended and celebrated.

“We wish Alexander and all the other finalists and winners the very best of luck, not only in the next round of the competitions, but also in the careers they go on to pursue.”

On 16th April, Coleg y Cymoedd will host an Advice Day. The Advice Day will run from 4pm to 7pm and will provide an opportunity for prospective learners and their families to explore the college’s facilities and learn more about available courses.

The college played host to a number of gigs for two of the most exciting contemporary Welsh language artists on the scene as part of Welsh Week.

Funded by ColegauCymru and the Welsh Assembly Government, the week aimed to promote contemporary Welsh language music to staff and learners.

Gigs were held on every campus and featured performances from popular Welsh language artists Mr Phormula and Y Ffug.

Popular welsh language artist ‘Mr Phormula’ performed his unique mix of beat boxing, rapping and DJing to create a thoroughly enjoyable hiphop performance to fascinated crowds.

The four members of Post punk and Psyche band ‘Y Ffug’ from Pembrokeshire then rocked out the four college venues in front of staff and learners.

Radio Cymru visited the college to record one of the gigs and to hold workshops with learners. Learners had the opportunity to record pre-gig interviews with the artists and the performances themselves, using Radio Cymru’s equipment. Extracts of the students work was featured on Radio Cymru’s website and used on air.

Ed Holden aka Mr Phormula said: “I had an unbelievable week! What I enjoyed most were the attitudes towards the Welsh language, everyone was totally open and ready to listen to modern Welsh music. I’m very proud of my craft and the fact that I can represent the language in a modern and lively context. A brilliant week!”

Jamie Bevan, Bilingual Champion said: “Events like this are so important and help people see the Welsh language in a positive modern light. While our main work is to encourage learners to undertake their studies bilingually and through the medium of Welsh it is essential that they see the Welsh language as being relevant to their everyday lives, within the classroom and outside.”

“A big thank you needs to go to the learners of the Music Technology course who provided the sound and lighting for the week and professionally put into practice what they have been learning at the College”

On 16th April, Coleg y Cymoedd will host an Advice Day. The Advice Day will run from 4pm to 7pm and will provide an opportunity for prospective learners and their families to explore the college’s facilities and learn more about available courses.