Caerphilly employment centre to be reopened by rugby’s Jonathan Davies

Rugby legend Jonathan Davies will help open a refurbished employment and training centre on Monday.

Wales’ largest work-based training provider, ACT, has completed a major expansion of its Skills Academy in Caerphilly.

Local employers are being invited to visit the revamped centre at Pontygwindy Industrial Estate on Monday February 20 to inspect new facilities for training youngsters across a range of skills.

Deputy Minister for Skills Jeff Cuthbert will formally open the academy which is designed to help hundreds of young people around Caerphilly where youth employment has risen by 56% since the economic downturn began.

Welsh rugby legend Jonathan Davies, who is ACT’s Apprenticeship Ambassador, will host the event and meet local employers between 1.30pm and 3.30pm on the day.

The Academy previously offered training in hairdressing and barbering, IT, business administration, performing manufacturing operations and bricklaying training. Now the centre offers a much wider range of training options including construction skills such as plastering, carpentry, plumbing, painting and decorating.

In addition to the new construction training suite there is a new motor vehicle training section and a fully-functional kitchen equipped with the latest catering equipment, offering learners a hands on learning experience.

The Academy also supports learners with general employability skills, including literacy, numeracy, teamwork and problem solving.

Michele Kerr, centre manager said: “This has been a very exciting development. We are now able to provide practical facilities with the most up-to-date equipment that enables trainees to learn new skills and explore different career opportunities. We hope that the new Academy will inspire and motivate learners and enhance their lives.”

ACT employs over 180 staff at its six centres across Wales, who work closely with local employers and Careers Wales to secure job placements and apprenticeships for young people.

Andrew Cooksley, Managing Director of ACT, said: “Last year we provided training for 1,600 young people across Wales, we hope that this investment will encourage more young people to re-engage in learning.

“With high youth unemployment dominating the headlines, we want to ensure that the young generation in Wales is skilled and upwardly mobile. As an organisation, we are very supportive in helping young people achieve their ambition and thrive to work with organisations who share the same values. This is a key message that Jonathan will deliver on the day, encouraging local employers to support Caerphilly Youth and offer them an opportunity to learn on the job.”