College builds on business relationships with latest appointment

Coleg y Cymoedd has made a key appointment to strengthen its engagement with employers, and plans to build on a client portfolio which already exceeds 800 businesses.

The College, which has campuses in Aberdare, Nantgarw, Rhondda and Ystrad Mynach, has appointed Matthew Tucker as Director of Business Services. This new role will oversee a department that has forged longstanding training partnerships with multinational companies and some of the leading SME businesses in Wales.

Mr Tucker will focus on engaging with external organisations and businesses to continue with the development of partnership opportunities, which offer bespoke commercial solutions, training and apprenticeship programmes for employers.

Speaking about his appointment and plans for the role, Matthew Tucker, said: “We have an excellent commercial provision at Coleg y Cymoedd, with outstanding tutors, trainers and facilities. In my new position I’ll be looking to engage with more local employers with a view to supporting their business needs and adding value in terms undertaking training needs assessments, upskilling their workforce and providing work ready employees for the future.

“In order to be successful today’s businesses need to have well trained and qualified staff who are able to multi task to meet the changing demands. I see our role as working partnership with businesses and their employees and potential employees to ensure they have the knowledge and skills to do this.” ­­

Matthew’s expertise and detailed understanding of the training needs of businesses has been gained from roles in both the education and private sector. In 2001 he was responsible for delivering apprenticeship pathways as a Sector Coordinator at the College Ystrad Mynach before moving into a private sector role where he spent four years developing his commercial skills.

Since his return to the College in 2009 as the Head of Work Based Learning, in addition to bringing in private sector ethos and pace back to the college he has grown the contract which supports apprentices in the workplace from £1m to £3m.

Mr Tucker continues: “We have developed excellent working relationships with a range of businesses to develop bespoke and affordable training programmes. This can include part or fully funded programmes supported by Welsh Government.”

Judith Evans, principal at Coleg y Cymoedd, spoke of Matthew’s new role: “Matthew’s skills and expertise make him the perfect person to fill this position, with years of experience in both the public and private sectors. This allows him to forge the best working practices from both to ensure the College is meeting the needs of local employers through our bespoke programmes. We’re looking forward to continuing our relationships with businesses in the future led by Matt.”

Coleg y Cymoedd’s Business Services Department is currently working with McGinley Support Services delivering its innovative rail apprenticeship programme, as well as Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council to develop a shared apprenticeship programme engaging with over 20 SME organisations.

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