A NEW business education partnership has been launched between College Merthyr Tydfil, Merthyr Tydfil Council, schools and employers.
The Business Education Together Partnership (BETP) and SEAL (Schools Employers Aspiring Learners) agreement launched on Wednesday, January 31, and will link careers advice and guidance to key curriculum areas to ensure pupils and students across Merthyr Tydfil can explore future pathways on offer.
The aim is to help to raise aspirations and standards, enhance employability skills and support increased progression into employment.
The launch coincided with a Skills Competition Wales event at the college which saw more than 100 students compete across vocational areas, including carpentry, painting and decorating, electrical installation, hairdressing, beauty and 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, aimed at demonstrating their commitment to equipping pupils and students 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, with employers as judges.
Schools also attended the day with pupils having the chance to see the learners participate in the skills competitions whilst also engaging with a range of activities to try their hand at some of the Inspiring Skills Excellence in Wales’ 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.”
More than 100 people, including students from the college, employers and representatives from the Welsh Government attended, as well as local businesses with links to the college, including construction firm Tilbury Douglas and defence specialists General Dynamics.
