Two of South Wales’ leading training providers have joined forces to launch a new training programme for aspiring HR professionals.

Coleg y Cymoedd and award-winning training providers Acorn, which is based in Newport, have developed a programme for the delivery of the CIPD Level 5 Apprenticeship – a diploma in Human Resources Management.

The apprenticeship, written for HR professionals in a number of positions, including assistant manager, consultant, advisor and officer roles, will be delivered via a combination of work-based learning and off the job tutoring.

As one of the UK’s leading recruitment and training agencies, and a co-founding partner of the Wales HR Network, Acorn has in-depth knowledge of HR professional’s requirements and has identified a valid gap in the market within the personnel field.

The new qualification will include a number of units which will focus on employment law and the role HR has to play in a business context.

Sarah John, Acorn’s commercial director and newly elected chairman of the National Training Federation for Wales, said: “The real benefit of this programme is that it not only allows HR specialists to gain a valuable, industry recognised professional qualification whilst they are working, but it also combines both competence and knowledge elements.

“We have been working closely with Coleg y Cymoedd to ensure this programme can be delivered with a work-focused emphasis to ensure full benefits for the apprentice and their company, guaranteeing added value.”

Matthew Tucker, director of business services, for Coleg y Cymoedd, added: “This is a nationally recognised qualification that can significantly improve the future career and promotion prospects for individuals in the HR field.

“Human Resources is such an important function in any organisation, it’s really important to have well-trained employees and this course will help to develop the potential of more team members, ensuring that departments have the necessary strength in depth and of course, numbers.”

Christmas card competition winner Niamh May Simons, Year 6, Darren Las Primary School, Mountain Ash with her winning design.

Runner up: Iwan Thomas YGG Bodringallt.      

A group of six More Able and Talented (MAT) learners from the A Level Programme at Coleg y Cymoedd visited Wellington College, Berkshire earlier this month. The College, one of the world’s leading private schools, invited the learners to a Global Politics Conference, which was themed ‘Power and Security’.

The Coleg y Cymoedd learners, accompanied by Ian Rees, A-Level Centre Manager and Estelle Daly, Curriculum and Quality Manager, St David’s College, Coleg y Cymoedd’s partners within the A Level Centre, were proud to be the only participants from Wales as they joined over 200 students from Wellington College and other leading schools from across England. 

Learner Megan Howells has an interview at Oxford University to study Law soon and felt the Wellington conference was useful and timely in encouraging her to grapple with advanced information and concepts.

The programme for the conference included a range of talks, interviews and workshops on such diverse subjects as: How Geopolitics helps to shape World Events, Syria and the Transition to a New World Order, and the Challenges facing Refugees.

Speakers included eminent journalists, university professors, senior members of the British Armed Forces, and a former refugee and campaigner for refugee rights. Learners also had the opportunity to sample the atmosphere and excellent facilities of this world-famous institution.

Ian Rees stated, ‘This was an extremely stimulating experience, one which it is hoped the learners will be able to put to good use when applying for university or attending an interview for an elite university’.