Latest news with #Cyfle
Business News Wales
14 hours ago
- Business
- Business News Wales
First Minister Visits Wrexham University to Tour Trail-Blazing Facilities and Discuss Civic Impact
First Minister of Wales Eluned Morgan MS paid a visit to Wrexham University to view some of the institution's ground-breaking facilities, including the soon-to-be complete Enterprise Engineering and Optics Centre (EEOC) building – North Wales Growth Deal's first construction project. The First Minister met students and staff from a range of subject areas to hear all about the university's newly launched 2030 Vision and Strategy and its overarching ambition to become a world-leading, modern civic university. During the visit, the First Minister toured the trail-blazing EEOC development, which will become a specialist centre for industry engagement, research, and innovation, and will provide North Wales with a centre for collaboration and skills development in sustainability, renewables, and high value manufacturing. The First Minister's tour of the EEOC came just days before International Women in Engineering Day. She spent time speaking with Selina Thomas, a final-year Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering student, who highlighted her work in supporting North Wales-based firm KnitMesh Technologies by investigating the impact strength of composites. She was also given the opportunity to view the university's Health Simulation Centre, where staff highlighted the institution's work in strengthening and developing the public sector workforce in North Wales, with Welsh language provision at the core of that. The First Minister heard how since launching 'Cyfle', the institution's Welsh Language Academic Strategy and Action Plan just under three years ago, Welsh language modules have been introduced to a number of degree courses including Speech and Language Therapy, Professional Policing, Education and more. Staff also updated the First Minister on progress relating to current works taking place on campus on the next phase of enhancing the University's Health and Education Innovation Quarter (HEIQ). She heard how the next phase will take the university's facilities to even further heights – ensuring that industry-leading technology is available to students' by creating a new immersive teaching environment, which will allow for a combination of both virtual and augmented reality. It will also include a Teaching and Learning Lab and a Hydrasimulation Suite – which is being developed in conjunction with the Hydra Foundation – that will help students with their critical decision-making skills, through simulation of emergency situations. The visit concluded with a positive discussion on the university's Civic Mission work, with a focus on how the institution is at the forefront of driving systemic change in the region through connecting partner organisations, sharing knowledge and unlocking collective action, all with the aim of helping to put an end to social inequality across North Wales by 2030. Professor Joe Yates, Vice-Chancellor of Wrexham University, said: 'We were delighted to welcome the First Minister to the university and proudly showcase our incredible facilities – in particular, our Enterprise Engineering and Optics Centre, which is due to open at the start of the next academic year in September, as well as our cutting-edge Health Simulation Centre. 'The visit also provided us with a welcome opportunity to highlight our newly launched 2030 Vision and Strategy, and also shine a light on how higher education institutions have a crucial role to play in helping to shape a more resilient and prosperous Wales. Our work in building skills but also strengthening and developing a bilingual public sector workforce in North Wales, and our Civic Mission, in terms of providing systems leadership, demonstrates the positive impact our institution has on the communities we serve. 'Thank you to the First Minister for her time and engagement with us – it was a pleasure to welcome her, and showcase just some of our fantastic work.' First Minister Eluned Morgan MS added: 'I was pleased to see first-hand the facilities at Wrexham University, especially the EEOC, which will soon become a vital hub for industry collaboration and skills development across North Wales. 'Through their civic work, our higher education institutions can serve as powerful anchors in their communities, supporting business and unlocking collective action to tackle inequality while preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow.'
South Wales Argus
25-05-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Y Prentis apprenticeship scheme Closure confirmed by council
Y Prentis was set up by Monmouthshire County Council and housing association Melin Homes in 2016 and provides apprenticeships across the 10 authorities that make up the Cardiff Capital Region in South East Wales but has struggled to provide opportunities in recent years. That has resulted in it recording a loss, of £75,123, in 2023/24 on top of loss of £24,311 the previous year and only a minority of those in training were completing their apprentices and gaining the required qualifications. Melin Homes, which was the joint shareholder with Monmouthshire council and paid a management fee for hosting the programme, decided earlier this year it no longer wished to do so following its merger with Newport City Homes to create the Hedyn housing association. Monmouthshire council's Labour-led cabinet has now agreed to close Y Prentis and around 50 apprentices and staff will transfer to South West Wales-based training body Cyfle. Run by the three independent construction industry training groups it holds charitable status and is the largest shared apprenticeship scheme in the UK and currently employs 95 apprentices and will expand its operating base to take in South East Wales. Council deputy leader Paul Griffiths described the closure of Y Prentis as 'unfortunate' but said the relationship with Cyfle is 'very postitive'. It's estimated Y Prentis will have a surplus of around £100,000 on closure and any money remaining after paying off creditors will be transferred to Cyfle in line with its article of association that any surplus is transferred to an organisation with similar objectives. A Monmouthshire council officer will also have a seat on Cyfle's directors board to provide future updates to council committees and the cabinet.
Business News Wales
14-05-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Applications Open for Shared Apprenticeship Scheme in Pembrokeshire
Limited places are available for an award-winning programme offering a gateway into a construction career. Cyfle Building Skills is accepting applications for its Shared Apprenticeship Scheme in the Pembrokeshire region – with just 10 places available for motivated individuals looking to kick-start a career in the construction industry. The award-winning scheme enables young people and career changers to gain valuable hands-on experience while studying towards a recognised vocational qualification. Through a shared apprenticeship model, participants rotate between a number of reputable local construction employers, gaining a wide range of real-world skills and on-site experience alongside one-day-a-week college learning. To help interested candidates find out more, Cyfle's Pembrokeshire Coordinator, Paul Falzon, will be hosting a drop-in information session at The Corner Room, Haverhub, The Old Post Office, 12 Quay Street, Haverfordwest, SA61 1BG, on Wednesday 21 May 2025, between 09:00 and 13:00. No appointment is necessary. Now in its 12th year, the Shared Apprenticeship Scheme has supported nearly 1,000 apprentices across South West Wales. Apprentices have the opportunity to specialise in a wide range of trades, including bricklaying, plastering, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, painting and decorating, maintenance/multi-skilling, and technical roles. The scheme offers an ideal route into the industry, with around 90% of apprentices securing full-time employment upon completion. Backed by local construction businesses and supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, it helps meet the growing demand for skilled workers while offering a flexible and supportive path for those entering the sector. The scheme plays a key role in developing a future workforce for the construction industry, ensuring young people and career changers alike have the skills, knowledge, and experience to thrive. Paul Falzon, Pembrokeshire Coordinator for Cyfle Building Skills, said: 'This scheme has helped hundreds of young people across South West Wales take their first steps into the construction industry, and we're excited to be expanding opportunities here in Pembrokeshire. Whether you're a school leaver, career changer, or simply someone who enjoys hands-on work, I'd encourage you to come along to the drop-in session or get in touch. It could be the start of something great.' Applications for the Pembrokeshire Shared Apprenticeship Scheme close at the end of June 2025. Those interested are encouraged to apply early due to limited availability. In addition, contractors in the Pembrokeshire region who are interested in supporting the scheme by offering placements are encouraged to get in touch. For more information, or to express interest, please contact Paul Falzon directly on 07799 716 567 or
Western Telegraph
11-05-2025
- Business
- Western Telegraph
Cyfle Building Skills launch apprenticeship scheme
Cyfle Building Skills has announced that it is accepting applications for its Shared Apprenticeship Scheme in Pembrokeshire. There are only 10 places available for individuals who want to start a career in the construction industry. The scheme allows young people and those looking to change careers to gain hands-on experience while studying for a recognised vocational qualification. Participants will rotate between several local construction employers, gaining a wide range of skills and on-site experience alongside one day a week of college learning. To help interested candidates find out more, Cyfle's Pembrokeshire coordinator, Paul Falzon, will be hosting a drop-in information session at The Corner Room, Haverhub, The Old Post Office, 12 Quay Street, Haverfordwest, SA61 1BG, on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, between 9am and 1pm. No appointment is necessary. Now in its 12th year, the Shared Apprenticeship Scheme has supported nearly 1,000 apprentices across south west Wales. Apprentices have the opportunity to specialise in a wide range of trades, including bricklaying, plastering, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, painting and decorating, maintenance/multi-skilling, and technical roles. The scheme offers a route into the industry, with around 90 per cent of apprentices securing full-time employment upon completion. Supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund with the backing of businesses in the county, it helps meet the growing demand for skilled workers while offering a flexible and supportive path for those entering the sector. Applications for the Pembrokeshire Shared Apprenticeship Scheme close at the end of June 2025. Those interested are encouraged to apply early due to limited availability. In addition, contractors in the Pembrokeshire region who are interested in supporting the scheme by offering placements are encouraged to get in touch. Paul Falzon, Pembrokeshire coordinator for Cyfle Building Skills, said: "This scheme has helped hundreds of young people across south west Wales take their first steps into the construction industry, and we're excited to be expanding opportunities here in Pembrokeshire. "Whether you're a school leaver, career changer, or simply someone who enjoys hands-on work, I'd encourage you to come along to the drop-in session or get in touch. "It could be the start of something great." For more information, visit the Cyfle Building Skills website.
Pembrokeshire Herald
09-05-2025
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Ten apprenticeship places up for grabs in award-winning construction scheme
Young people and career changers invited to apply for Cyfle Building Skills initiative APPLICATIONS are now open for the Cyfle Building Skills Shared Apprenticeship Scheme in Pembrokeshire – with only ten places available for those looking to begin a career in the construction industry. The highly regarded programme, now in its twelfth year, offers hands-on experience across a range of trades while participants study towards a recognised vocational qualification. Uniquely, apprentices rotate between several trusted local construction firms, gaining a broad range of on-site experience. One day a week is spent at college to support their training. Paul Falzon, Pembrokeshire Coordinator for Cyfle, is hosting a drop-in information session on Wednesday (May 21) at The Corner Room, Haverhub, The Old Post Office, Quay Street, Haverfordwest, from 9:00am to 1:00pm. No appointment is needed. The scheme has supported nearly 1,000 apprentices across South West Wales and has a strong success rate – with around 90% of apprentices going on to full-time employment after completing the programme. Trades on offer include bricklaying, plastering, carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, painting and decorating, maintenance/multi-skilling, and technical roles. Backed by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the programme aims to address the growing demand for skilled workers in the construction sector and provide a flexible, supported route into the industry. Mr Falzon said: 'This scheme has helped hundreds of young people take their first steps into the construction industry, and we're thrilled to be expanding our presence in Pembrokeshire. Whether you're a school leaver, a career changer, or someone who enjoys practical work, I'd encourage you to come along to the drop-in session or get in touch—it could be the start of something great.' Applications close at the end of June 2025, and with limited availability, early application is advised. Local contractors who would like to support the scheme by offering placements are also encouraged to contact Mr Falzon directly on 07799 716 567 or For more information or to apply online, visit:
