NTfW Newsletter – June 2014

Posted on June 17, 2014 by karen.smith













Apprenticeship Awards Cymru – Closing date is 12noon 27 June 2014

Download your application form now! The Awards aim to recognise and celebrate employers, learners and providers who commit to developing their workforce through Apprenticeships and supporting their employees during their training. The awards are also a great way to evaluate training and development, as well as a fantastic motivational factor for any workforce or learner.

Follow the links to find out more information regarding applying for the Awards and how to become a sponsor.
Application Forms
Sponsorship

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NTfW Conference – Building Sustainable Futures for All

The Conference will allow delegates the opportunity to hear from predominant keynote speakers and attend workshops. The event is also seen as a prime opportunity of networking with individuals and companies across the training sector within Wales.
Conference
Conference Sponsorship

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Inspirational nursery owner and Swansea care home win Wales’ VQ Awards

An inspirational learner who runs her own bilingual nursery in Carmarthenshire and a Swansea care home claimed the main Vocational Qualification (VQ) Awards in Wales today (June 4).

Emma Thomas, 28, who set up ‘Dechrau Disglair’ (Bright Start) in St Clears in 2011 and now employs 24 staff caring for 35 children a day under the age of seven, won the VQ Learner of the Year Award while Hengoed Court care home, owned by Nicola and Tim Williams, was judged VQ Employer of the Year.

They were two of the nine finalists who attended the showpiece awards ceremony at Coleg y Cymoedd’s Nantgarw Campus on VQ Day, a celebration of people who have achieved success through vocational education in Wales. Read more …

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Money for Life Challenge UK Final

Two teams of young people have represented Wales at the very prestigious Money for Life Challenge UK Grand Final

This year, the Money for Life UK Grand Final was held at the Indig02 on Thursday 15th May 2014. Hosted by TV personality Amanda Lamb, this prestigious event brought together all of the National Winners and National Peoples Prize Winners together to compete for the coveted titles of Money for Life Challenge UK Winner and UK People’s Prize Winner.

The Fashion on a Budget team competed against a very strong line-up of teams from across the UK, where they presented their money management project to a panel of high-profile judges and the whole invited audience.

Fashion on a Budget, a team of 17 to 19 year olds from East Cardiff, Llanedeyrn and Pentwyn Communities 1st (ECLP), an anti-Poverty Programme, created a fashion show called ‘Style yourself on a budget’, which featured clothes purchased only from charity shops. The show tackled the stigma often attached to buying second-hand clothes by the highlighting the quality of charity shop goods at affordable prices.

Also representing Wales at the UK Grand Final was Broke but Beautiful from Bridgend College who won the Wales People’s Prize. The group of students formed a project to teach people receiving benefits how to save money on fashion and beauty.

The UK Money for Life Challenge winners were Woodley Wallet Watchers with Stepping Out taking the People’s Prize.

To find out more about the Money for Life Challenge follow this link www.moneyforlifechallenge.org.uk or contact Jeff Protheroe email: jeff.protheroe@ntfw.org

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Online Bilingualism in WBL Good Practice Document

A document is currently being created to outline the good practice in terms of Welsh medium/bilingual provision across work-based learning providers in Wales. To make this document all inclusive and interactive, it would be much appreciated if you could email ryan.evans@ntfw.org with any examples of good practice or any case studies that you have.

The Bilingual Champion has also launched additional information which can now be found on the NTfW website which includes information on resources, training, Welsh culture and useful links https://www.ntfw.org/projects/bilingual-champion/

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Salon Cymru Wales’ top hair and beauty event

Talented learners from Caernarfon and Cardiff claimed the two main awards after impressing judges with their skills at Wales’ top event for creative hairdressing and beauty talent.

Ellie Dwyer, 17, from One.a Hair and Beauty, Caernarfon, was named the overall winner at Salon Cymru, which attracted 170 competitors from both sides of the Welsh border and an audience of 450 to Cardiff’s SWALEC Stadium on Sunday 18 May,

The Shirley Davis-Fox Rising Star Award, created by ISA Training’s chairman for the apprentice showing the most promise, went to 22-year-old Lauren Wynne from Ocean Hair Salon, Cardiff.

The popular annual event is organised by Bridgend-based ISA Training, the largest independent hair and beauty training provider in Wales. Main sponsor this year was Itec, one of Wales’ leading independent skills and employment services providers.

Ellie followed up her victory in the ‘50s make-up category at last year’s event to win the red carpet make-up suitable for a model or celebrity and was runner up in the fantasy make-up category.

“I just can’t believe it,” she said when the overall result was announced. “I’m in a state of shock. We enter a lot of competitions but Salon Cymru is the main one and I’ll be back next year to defend my title. My ambition is to be a make-up artist to celebrities.”

Lauren, who was cheered on by her workmates from Ocean Hair Salon, won the cutting competition for level three learners, which focused on producing a creative contemporary look.

“I am really overwhelmed to win the award,” said Lauren. “It’s fantastic and we are definitely going to do more competitions in the future. My ambition later in life is to own my own salon.”

The popular event featured a record 12 competitions – seven hairdressing, three beauty and two barbering – with the climax being the avant garde catwalk or fashion shoot look, which again amazed the audience with unusual shapes and bold visions.

Berni Tyler, ISA Training’s managing director was delighted with the event. “This year’s Salon Cymru was our biggest and best yet and demonstrated the rich talent that we have here in Wales.

“We hope to attract even more competitors and spectators next year and I would like to see manufacturers taking much more interest in this event, which is so highly rated by our world class judges.”

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The Jobs Growth Wales Scheme and Its Potential

NTfW were approached by Luke Mulligan who asked if he could write a story for us based on his experience on the Jobs Growth Wales programme. Here is his story.

About a year ago now, I started a Jobs Growth Wales Scheme as a copywriter for Sully-based web design specialists, Designer Websites. I never pictured myself in such a technical environment, but the marketing position they offered me suited my strengths well.

Starting any job is challenging, but starting a whole new field entirely is of course daunting – nobody likes being a complete novice again, do they? Thankfully, some of that pressure was eased thanks to both my employers, and the Jobs Growth Wales scheme itself. As the scheme provides you with a salary for 6 months of employment, this gives trainers an opportunity to help you get properly settled into a role – without feeling like you’re hindering the team that is!

After the 6 months of the scheme was up Designer Websites then offered me a permanent position as a copywriter. This was obviously great news as not only was I now part of an expanding segment of the company, but I was also now part of their overall team of experienced professionals.

Through their consistent reputation, Designer Websites have worked with a whole host of satisfied clients on both a local, national, and international scale! Their proven track record for excellence has seen newer employees like myself even get a chance to work with high profile clients like Apprentice 2013 Winner, Dr Leah Totton.

A lot can happen in a year, and through the Jobs Growth Wales scheme you can make a lot happen for yourself.

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ESDGC – Global Citizenship

The events listed below are celebrations and awareness days; each of the events includes details of websites and support materials to help plan activities for learners.

11 July 2014 World Population Day – World Population Day will call attention to the essential part that reproductive health plays in creating a just and equitable world.

18 July 2014 Mandela Day – Mandela Day aims to honour the legacy of South Africa’s former president and to inspire individuals to take action to help change the world for the better.

12 August 2014 International Youth Day – International Youth Day (IYD) was established by the United Nations in 2000 as a means of raising awareness of issues affecting young people around the world.

31 August – 5 September 2014 World Water Week – World Water Week has been the annual focal point for the globe’s water issues since 1991. The theme for 2014 is ‘Energy and Water’.

21 September 2014 International Day of Peace – Each year since 1982, events have taken place around the world to mark ‘Peace Day’.

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SkillsCymru

Following the huge success of SkillsCymru in 2010 at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff,where over 20,000 visitors took part in Wales’s biggest-ever interactive careers and skills event, Prospects Events and Cazbah are launching two highly interactive shows with the support of the Welsh Government for 2014.

SkillsCymru is offering the following discount to all members of the National Training Federation for Wales.

  • 10% discount on stands up to 10sqm
  • 15% discount on stands between 10sqm and 20sqm
  • 20% discount on stands over 20sqm

Stand costs start at £270 per sqm for the South Wales event and £200 per sqm for the North Wales event. A further 5% discount will be available for those that exhibit at both events. For more information please contact Gabrielle McEvans on 01823 362811 or email gabrielle.mcevans@prospects.co.uk www.skillscymru.co.uk

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Employers and learners praise Shared Apprenticeships pilot project

Learners and employers have given a big thumbs up to an innovative partnership approach to delivering apprenticeships in the hospitality industry in Powys.

People 1st Cymru is piloting in three parts of Wales a Shared Apprenticeship programme, which is tailor-made to meet the specific needs of the hospitality industry and comprises a partnership with employers, learning providers, learners and the Welsh Government.

Three leading hospitality employers in Powys – The Brigands Inn, Mallwyd, near Machynlleth, Coed y Dinas visitor attraction, Welshpool and NPTC Group, Hafren entertainment venue, Newtown – have joined forces to pilot the programme in the county, which is delivered by NPTC Group’s Newtown Campus.

The employers and three shared apprentices – Gemma Brockman,18, Jessica Slaymaker, 19 and James Edwards, 19 – spoke about their experience of the programme at an evening reception, hosted by Coed y Dinas.

The apprentices all said they had enjoyed the shared apprenticeship, gaining different skills and knowledge from each of the employers.

Representatives of Careers Wales, employers, learners and their parents attended the successful event, which was organised to highlight the potential of Shared Apprenticeships to employers, learners and those advising school leavers.

The new initiative allows apprentices to complete their apprenticeship by rotating between three high quality employers over 18 months. They are supported, mentored and trained in three different brands across different working cultures, thereby extending their knowledge, skills and experience.

Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology Ken Skates has endorsed the Shared Apprenticeship scheme as the Welsh Government has identified the hospitality industry as a priority for business and economic development.

Clara Weekley, project manager for People 1st Cymru, explained that Shared Apprenticeships were being piloted in Powys, Cardiff and Carmarthenshire and were due to end in October. The three shared apprentices in Powys were due to start their third and final work rotation in June and she thanked the employers for their support.

“At the end of the project, we will have a talented pool of people for employers to choose from,” she added. “Our objective is to provide stable employment for the shared apprentices.”

Steve Griffiths from Coed-y-Dinas, said the business as well as the shared apprentices had benefited from the project, highlighting the development of the company’s catering manager Ann Ellis through the mentoring process.

“I have enjoyed mentoring the shared apprentices, which has made me question some of the things that we do and given me more confidence to branch out,” said Ann.

Catrin Jones, manager of the Brigands Inn, praised the standard of the shared apprentices and said it had been satisfying to watch them blossom and grow in confidence, which had rubbed off on the rest of her team.

“It’s a hard industry to be in because it involves long hours and hard work and you have to be constantly on top of your game,” she said. “It has been a pleasure to be in a position where we have had good people coming through whom we would like to keep.”

Sue Lloyd Jones, NPTC Group’s head of faculty, praised the tireless contribution of the college’s Shared Apprenticeship co-ordinator, Clare Morgan, without whom, she said, the project in Powys would not have succeeded.

“The hospitality industry is so important to the Mid Wales economy and this project really works, so I appeal to employers to support it,” she said. “It has been fabulous to watch the progress made by the three shared apprentices and to develop such a wonderful relationship with the employers.”

Jacky Jones, employer engagement adviser for Careers Wales, who attended the event with two colleagues, said: “We have been very impressed to see how the programme has benefited both the apprentices and the employers and encouraged the sharing of knowledge and skills across the organisations.”

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Join the Skills for Employability Professional Network

We have great pleasure in inviting you to join the British Council’s growing Skills for Employability International Professional Network.

Joining the International Professional Network will give you:

  • Exciting opportunities to build your knowledge of the Skills sector internationally and extend your contacts in the Skills sector internationally, including invitations to international networking events
  • Early notification of Skills conferences and workshops internationally
  • A quarterly newsletter highlighting activities, opportunities and achievements within the Skills for Employability programme.

Joining is absolutely free, no time commitment is required, and you can leave the Network at any time. Click here for more information

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News from the Regions

Top Welsh salon joins growing campaign to register all qualified hairdressers

One of the top hairdressing salons in Wales has boosted a national campaign to professionalise the industry by encouraging all its qualified hair stylists to become state registered.

The Hair Business in Cowbridge has registered all of its level two and three stylists with the Hairdressing Council and Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, Ken Skates, visited the salon to present them with their certificates.

The Hairdressing Council’s campaign for compulsory state registration of qualified hairdressers is being spearheaded by its member for Wales, Shirley Davis-Fox, chairman of Bridgend-based ISA Training, the largest independent hair and beauty training provider in Wales.

The campaign, which aims to regulate the industry, is winning cross party support from MPs in Westminster and AMs at the National Assembly for Wales. Anyone can currently set up in business in the UK and work with potentially dangerous chemicals as a hairdresser or barber without having the necessary qualifications.

Mr Skates said: “It was great to visit The Hair Business to award its stylists with state registration certificates and I congratulate them all on their achievement. I have no doubt that their qualifications and becoming state registered will not only help the stylists in their careers, but will also help ensure that The Hair Business is recognised by its customers as a company that offers a high quality, professional service.”

Leigharne Phillips, owner of The Hair Business which employs 20 staff, said: “I think it’s important that hairdressing is recognised as a professional industry and state registration is the way forward. The campaign will gather momentum as we get more salons and hairdressers and barbers on board.

“As professional hairstylists we work on building and maintaining a standard in hairdressing and we want our clients to know that we are qualified and that they are in good hands.

“Any salon that truly cares about our profession should become state registered. I think the leading manufacturers of hair products will also give their support as soon as they realise that hairdressers are serious about it.”

Mrs Davis-Fox said she was delighted that The Hair Business had encouraged all its qualified stylists to become state registered voluntarily and called on other professional salons across Wales and the UK to follow suit.

“I would like members of the public to start asking hairdressers and barbers if they are state registered and to only use those that are,” she added.

“The Hairdressing Council has set up a think tank of employers in Wales to look at ways of encouraging more hairdressers and salons to register voluntarily. Leigharne Phillips is part if that think tank and she has been a great support in giving her time to the campaign.”

The think tank, which is chaired by Mrs Davis-Fox, also comprises other leading names in the Welsh hairdressing industry, Guy Christian, Donna Wallbank, Andrew Price and Ken Picton.

The Hairdressing Council is also pressing for a Parliamentary all party working group to support legislation for compulsory state registration. In addition, Nia Griffith, MP for Llanelli, is seeking a Westminster Hall debate on state registration to call on Minister Matthew Hancock to review the current regulation of the industry.

Because compulsory state registration is not a devolved issue, the Welsh Government is unable to introduce legislation itself. The final decision on amending the Hairdressing Act rests with the UK Government.

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Apprentices playing key role at Amlwch day nursery

Apprentices have been vital to the success of Caban Baban day nursery in Amlwch which recently celebrated its first anniversary.

Launched due to demand from the local area, Caban Baban has gone from strength to strength with the number of children attending growing each week.

The business is one of many benefiting from the Apprenticeship Programme funded by the Welsh Government with support from the European Social Fund. The centre currently employs eight childcare practitioners, with five of those on work-based apprenticeships.

Anne Williams, manager of Caban Baban says the decision to get involved with the apprenticeship programme continues to be beneficial.

Anne said: “Apprenticeships are a brilliant way to train and develop a person into your own practice and procedures. They enable young people to find their worth, realise their potential, feel fulfilled and be proud of their achievements – all of which has been evident at Caban Baban.

“The apprentices here gain so much from their apprenticeships and to see the look on their faces when they realise they’ve gained qualifications makes it worthwhile. I believe in apprenticeships and I’m proud to be able to offer this training and development to young learners.”

Nia Hughes is one of the five apprentices at the nursery, she said: “When I started my apprenticeship I was unsure if I’d be able to do it, but I gave it a go and I soon realised I was really enjoying it. I’ve had great support from my manager and I’ve since completed another two levels and I’m working towards level five.

“I have gained so much knowledge, understanding and experience of childcare that I now have the necessary skills to be a good childcare practitioner. I’ve achieved various promotions and without an apprenticeship at the beginning none of it would have been possible. The best thing I ever did was starting my level two apprenticeship and look where I am now!”

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Jobs Growth Wales learner Richard Steele meets Ed Milliband

Labour Leader Ed Milliband met Welsh business leaders in Llandudno during the recent Labour Party conference.

During his visit to Llandudno the labour leader met with one of the successes from the Jobs Growth Wales scheme.

Digital film and 3D animation graduate Richard Steele joined Collinge Antiques in Llandudno Junction via the Jobs Growth Wales scheme in April 2013. Richard’s abilities have been put to use photographing stock to sell on line and creating the shop’s new website. Following his six months on Jobs Growth Wales, Collinge Antiques offered Richard employment and he is now following an Apprenticeship.

Mr Milliband closed the conference with a speech the following day and use Richard’s story as an example of the scheme’s success.

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Dates for your diary

8-9 October 2014
SkillsCymru – Venue Cymru, Llandudno

22-23 October 2014
SkillsCymru – Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff

31 October 2014
NTfW Conference – Building Sustainable Futures for All, Celtic Manor Resort, Newport
Sponsorship packages

31 October 2014
Apprenticeship Awards Cymru, Celtic Manor Resort, Newport
Application Forms
Sponsorship Packages

313 – 15 November 2014
Skills Show, NEC, Birmingham

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