The College Merthyr Tydfil is working in partnership with Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, schools and employers to drive forward a new business education partnership.
The Business Education Together Partnership (BETP) and SEAL Agreement is launched on Wednesday, January 31.
The partnership will link careers advice and guidance to key curriculum areas of learning to ensure that all learners across Merthyr Tydfil, from primary through to post-16 level, can explore the future pathways on offer.
This will help to raise aspirations and standards whilst also enhancing learner employability skills and supporting increased progression into employment.
The launch also coincided with a Skills Competition Wales event being held at the college.
This event saw over 100 learners compete across a range of vocational areas, including Carpentry, Painting and Decorating, Electrical Installation, Hairdressing, Beauty and much more.
Aimed at raising the profile of skills in Wales and organised by Inspiring Skills Excellence in Wales, the college is one of many hosting the competitions, demonstrating their commitment to equipping learners with the essential skills required by key priority sector areas outlined in the Cardiff Capital Region Skills Partnership Employment and Skills Plan.
Students competed in their special skill in the aim of winning a medal at the Skills Competition Wales awards ceremony, which were judged by employers.
Schools also attended the day with pupils being provided with an opportunity to see the learners participate in the skills competitions whilst also engaging with a range of ‘Have A Go’ activities, where they tried their hand at some of the Inspiring Skills Excellence in Wales’ cutting-edge equipment, including LEGO robots, ICAROS Sports simulator, Snap Circuits, transport and welding simulators.
Lisa Thomas, Principal at the college, said: “We are thrilled to be part of the BETP Partnership. Enhancing learner’s career aspirations and developing their employability skills is important to the college and we want to ensure that we are at the forefront of equipping them with the skills required to succeed.
“We are also delighted to be hosting the Skills competitions and showcasing the vocational pathways and opportunities on offer for learners. The College has excellent links with local employers, and we want to encourage more learners to take up vocational courses and explore the exciting career opportunities on offer.”
Over 100 people, including learners from the college, employers and representatives from the Welsh Government attended the partnership launch and were encouraged to view the competitions as well. Local businesses with links to college, including leading construction firm Tilbury Douglas and defence specialists General Dynamics, were also at the event offering their views and advice on career pathways available to learners.
