Chefs in the making…

Wales’ Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, Ken Skates, saw first-hand how further education in the Valleys is embracing the challenges set for it by the Welsh Government.

A visit to the Coleg y Cymoedd’s £40million Nantgarw Campus and engineering department, presented Mr Skates with an opportunity to see for himself the state-of the-art campus and facilities.

Accompanied by Principal, Judith Evans, and Deputy Principal, Karen Phillips, the Deputy Minster viewed the college’s ultra-modern science labs and A-Level Centre, which provides a selection of 28 subjects to over 500 students each year. He also met apprentices from British Airways who are studying alongside apprentices from a range of leading engineering businesses

He also toured the Nantgarw Campus’ specialised hair and beauty salon and top-of-the-range hospitality kitchen facilities, which provide vocational learners the opportunity to train in a professional standard environment.

Mr Skates was also briefed on Coleg y Cymoedd’s continuing work to rejuvenate further education provision in the Valleys, including its plans for a new £20m campus in Aberdare and a £4m upgrade of its Ystrad Mynach campus.

Judith Evans, Principal of Coleg y Cymoedd, said: “We’re grateful to the Minister for taking the time to visit us and personally discover the opportunities we are providing to learners in the Rhondda Cynon Taf and Caerphilly. Our learners also enjoyed the opportunity to share their experiences with Mr Skates.

“I hope that this visit has given a real insight into our mission to strengthen the South Wales Valleys through excellent educational provisions and an understanding of our desire to provide all of our communities with the calibre of facilities enjoyed by learners at the Nantgarw campus.”

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