A multi-million pound motor vehicle training centre was opened at Coleg y Cymoedd’s Ystrad Mynach campus on November 4.
The £2.1m facility was opened by Julie James AM, Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology and aims to provide industry-leading motor vehicle repair, maintenance workshops, as well as diagnostic and testing facilities for over 60 learners each year.
Ms James said: “Today I have seen at first-hand the college’s commitment to training learners.
“Through this new facility Coleg y Cymoedd is able to develop a highly skilled workforce in an area of high deprivation and allow individuals to gain the skills needed for working in the motor industry.”
The previous motor workshop was located at the college’s Rhymney campus, meaning a long commute for many students on the course.
Christopher Phillips, 27, from Cilfynydd said: “In my first year on the course, it took me around 45 minutes to get to the Rhymney campus.
“It was an investment I was willing to make as I loved the course, but it now only takes me about 12 minutes to get to the Ystrad Mynach campus. Not only that, but these are the best facilities I’ve ever experienced.
“I came back to learning after leaving education when I was 18 to dedicate time to my family, and the college have been really understanding of my needs with a young son.
“Once I complete the course I am hoping to join a big franchise dealership. My dream is to work with Land Rover.”
Coleg y Cymoedd Principal, Judith Evans, said the college is “dedicated” to training young people in The Valleys.
She said: “With major developments for the motor industry on the horizon in South Wales, it is vital that we can offer the highly skilled workforce the industry requires, and Coleg y Cymoedd is committed to ensuring our learners are at the forefront of any employment and skills opportunities that could come their way.”
This development at the Ystrad Mynach campus is excellent news. It will help to provided opportunities for young people wanting to learn these engineering skills. I hope that local employers will work with the College to make it a real success.