Internationally renowned businesses such as Arriva, Interserve and Hanson have already reduced their environmental impact and improved their bottom line with Sustainability Skills for the Workforce, book now to rapidly upskill your workforce and increase performance, efficiency, and impact.

Environmental Sustainability Skills for the Workforce is an introductory course which helps your team get to grips with the basics, giving a fundamental awareness of environment and sustainability issues. This is ideal for members of the team who work at an operational level. See improvements in your performance after just one day.��

This qualification is designed for use within land-based industries. It would be particularly useful for those learners who are progressing into the Sustainability Officer/Co-ordinator/Advisor role and those with job roles which have responsibilities for sustainability reviews and planning within businesses and organisations��

To achieve this certificate, learners will attend 4 face-to-face workshops. During these workshops, they will gain knowledge and understanding of sustainability, the environment, climate change, and net-zero. After each workshop, learners will have a break to complete sample assessment papers before sitting their final assessments.��

This short course is a step up from the award and is perfect for organisations that are working towards or have implemented an Environmental Management System, such as ISO14001.��

Investing in sustainable working practices can not only benefit the environment but also your organisation’s bottom line. By implementing sustainable practices, you can save costs on resources, improve your brand image, and even attract more customers who value sustainability.��

Internationally renowned businesses such as Arriva, Interserve and Hanson have already reduced their environmental impact and improved their bottom line with Sustainability Skills for the Workforce, book now to rapidly upskill your workforce and increase performance, efficiency, and impact. Environmental Sustainability Skills for the Workforce is an introductory course which helps your team get to grips with the basics, giving a fundamental awareness of environment and sustainability issues. This is ideal for members of the team who work at an operational level. See improvements in your performance after just one day.��

Karen wanted to upskill but she needed a course to work around her job in a primary school, that’s when she found the Level 3 Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools qualification (STLS) with �ײ���Ƶ.

The qualification provides learners with an enhanced understanding of their roles and responsibilities in an education setting, developing their professionalism, knowledge and confidence in their work with children and colleagues.

“It was a course I could do while working,” Karen explained. “Flexibility was key. I was able to improve my literacy and numeracy skills and enhance my knowledge within the role.”

As well as improving essential skills in the application of numbers and communication, Karen found that the qualification gave her a confidence boost.

“I’m a better teaching assistant than I was before. I am more secure and confident in what I am doing. I no longer feel unqualified.”

Talking about the practicalities of completing a qualification while working, Karen said: “It was great because I was able to work at my own pace and in my own space. The deadlines were achievable.

“My assessor, Charlotte, was wonderful. There were two occasions where I was close to quitting. Nothing to do with the course, but to do with confidence and resilience. When I had my meetings with Charlotte, her encouragement and boosts were a relief and a push for me to finish my course. And I did it.

My employer was also encouraging and helpful. They were great in giving Charlotte a chance to go and assess me at work.”

Despite some hurdles along the way, Karen has the learning bug and has now set her sights on an even bigger challenge.

She said: “This course, my colleagues and Charlotte have motivated me to go far beyond what I expected – as far as wanting to get a degree. I have taken the plunge and I am a university woman now, just waiting to start on the next adventure.”

Asked if she had any words of encouragement for someone on the fence as to whether to take up a course, Karen said: “Do it, it is a wonderful chance to learn new things and get your brain going. If you are a mum like me it is a chance to do something for yourself. You do it in the comfort of your home, with loads of support, and you are never alone in the course.”

If you would like to explore work-based learning options, find out more here.

Wales’ leading training provider, �ײ���Ƶ, has announced outstanding results from its latest Learner Voice Survey, capturing feedback from nearly 5,000 learners.

This survey, a cornerstone of �ײ���Ƶ’s commitment to continuous improvement and learner satisfaction, reveals high levels of student skill development.

This year’s survey saw an upswing in responses, with 4876 submissions across the network of �ײ���Ƶ and its partners, up by more than a thousand from last year (3721).

Within �ײ���Ƶ alone, 1663 gave feedback, up from just over a thousand (1196) last year.

Of that number, 99 per cent said that they felt they were treated fairly and with respect at �ײ���Ƶ.

Other key findings include:

94% of �ײ���Ƶ learners would recommend their courses to others.

86% of learners reported enhanced communication, numeracy, and literacy skills through �ײ���Ƶ’s Essential Skills workshops.

Overall, 96 per cent of learners would positively rate �ײ���Ƶ as a training provider.

Learner Representative, Lily Pandeles, whose key role is to advocate for learners across �ײ���Ƶ’s programmes, was pleased with the initial results.

She said: “It is amazing to see many learners share their thoughts and give us feedback. We want learners to feel empowered throughout their learning journey and to know their voices are important.”

Head of Continuous Improvement Becky Morris leads the Quality department at �ײ���Ƶ. She explained why the survey was so important to the organisation.

“We set up our �ײ���Ƶ Network learner survey with the aim of collecting feedback from learners across �ײ���Ƶ and our partner providers,” she said. “My team analyses the data at a network, provider, departmental and practitioner level to identify what learners feel we do well and where we need to improve.

“This information is a crucial part of our quality assurance processes, and learner voice is one of the most important measures in our self-evaluation process too.

“All of our learners matter, their voice matters, and we value the important role that our learners play in shaping what we do, and how we do it.”

These results affirm �ײ���Ƶ’s dedication to providing high-quality training and support, ensuring that every learner’s experience is positive and enriching. �ײ���Ƶ continues to lead the way in work-based learning, driven by the invaluable feedback and active participation of its learners.

At �ײ���Ƶ we know that undertaking a new course of education, at any level, can be a daunting task, but we offer support to ensure you feel confident and comfortable as you get started.��

Childcare learner, Jasmine Warner, came to our Aberdare Skills centre earlier this year through our Get Ready programme (an initiative designed to ease new learners into a course before they commit to Jobs Growth Wales +).��

Initially, Jasmine was very anxious, having not had a great experience at school and having left education with no formal qualifications. Jasmine thought that �ײ���Ƶ may have more patience and a smaller, quieter class to settle her in. She signed up in the hope of gaining some qualifications and work experience. Jasmine’s dream job was to work with children, but she was unsure if this would ever become a reality.��

Jasmine struggled with her confidence for the first few weeks, something that was quickly picked up by her tutors who then ensured regular check-ins to monitor her progress and assist her in building her confidence and relationships with her peers.����

With time and support Jasmine came into her own and quickly progressed in the programme, moving into a main classroom with a skills tutor by the end of her stint with Get Ready.��

Jasmine pushed herself, progressing a few weeks later to the Advancement strand of her programme and securing a work placement in her dream role within a primary school.����

Talking of Jasmine’s success, Becky Jones, �ײ���Ƶ’s Jobs Growth Wales + Learning Coach, said: “Jasmine has done so well and it is a pleasure to her have in class and in centre. Feedback from placement has also been very positive.”��

Jasmine said: “When I first started at �ײ���Ƶ I was not very confident in myself. However, with the help of the staff, my confidence increased. I feel that I’m a happier person now compared to when I started. This is because of the help that I received from the staff at �ײ���Ƶ and the fact that they believed in me and didn’t let me give up.”��

Gareth Williams, along with two other �ײ���Ƶ learners, scooped gold at Skills Competition Wales 2024.

Gareth took part in the accountancy category of the competition, as he is currently working towards his AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) course.

For the contest, competitors were given tasks that reflect typical aspects of responsibilities carried out by those studying bookkeeping. The challenge was designed to test other key employability skills including the quality of written communication and the ability to prioritise tasks and teamwork.

Judges were left impressed by Gareth and the team’s focused and efficient approach to the challenge.

“We were a team of three competing against approximately ten teams on the day,” Gareth explained. “The competition was split into two parts, the first part required completing six tasks of varying complexity but topics we were familiar with. The second part required a short presentation in front of a panel.

“The competition was very tough for us all, but we managed to complete it to a very high standard. I was elated when we won gold.”

Not resting on their laurels for long, the trio are now setting their sights on something bigger.

Gareth added: “Shortly after we won, the idea was floated that we should try for WorldSkills UK.”

He and the team have recently completed qualifiers for the international competition and are waiting to see if they have become finalists when the shortlist is announced early next month.
Despite being a nationally-competing talent, Gareth only began his AAT journey two years ago.

“I’ve worked in credit control for a few years and I’ve wanted to gain accountancy qualifications for some time,” Gareth said. “The opportunity arose in mid-2022 to start with AAT and I haven’t looked back since – I have learnt so much and continue to learn.

“I have learned many technical skills and accounting principles but the most surprising skill I have come across is teamworking – especially during these competitions. I have found that being able to work effectively as a team is incredibly important and is something that has improved since taking part in these contests.”

Gareth is now working towards completing his AAT Level 3, of which he has one unit remaining. He then hopes to focus on Level 4, with a view of progressing to ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants).

Karen Richards, �ײ���Ƶ’s AAT coordinator, said: “Our AAT delivery team are incredibly proud of the teams’ achievements. Their attitude to learning and supporting each other has been exemplary. It’s so good to hear they have benefitted by developing their team-working and problem-solving skills. Both vital skills in the workplace and in further studies.”

It’s Learning at Work Week, a national campaign acknowledging the importance of upskilling and continuous development throughout your career.

As Wales’ leading training provider, improving lives through learning is at the heart of what we do at �ײ���Ƶ. And our commitment to learning not only extends to the people we teach but also the staff that make up our business.

Rebecca Cooper, Head of People and Development at �ײ���Ƶ, began her career with the organisation more than twenty years ago and has progressed to take the lead on some of the company’s most ambitious and integral projects.

We spoke to her about her career and how work-based learning has remained a constant throughout her journey.

How did you begin your career?

Whilst I didn’t struggle academically in school, I wasn’t really interested in studying during my later teenage years and so I left school at 16 with just one GSCE in Maths.

After a temporary basic admin role at 16, I started a national traineeship with The CADCentre and completed an NVQ in IT.

The CADCentre then employed me as an administrator, and I did this role for three years alongside working towards a part-time people development qualification in the evenings.

In June 2003, I started as an administrator with �ײ���Ƶ, eventually working my way up to administration manager. I also began to take on some HR duties within �ײ���Ƶ as I already achieved my CIPD Level 3 – this eventually led to me becoming HR and admin manager before focusing solely on HR as the company grew.

I’ve been very lucky as my development has always been wholeheartedly supported by �ײ���Ƶ. I’ve gained so many qualifications over the years through both work-based learning and further education including Business Admin Level 3, ILM Level 5, CIPD Level 5 and more recently CIPD Level 7.

Did you always want a career in people and development?

Not really, when I was much younger, I wanted to be a lawyer. However, when I started working full-time, I saw HR as a good career path that suited my strengths.

How did work-based learning shape your understanding of your field and your role in it?

I have worked in work-based learning for 24 years now and have developed a vast amount of knowledge of the sector in that time. I’ve also seen a lot of change over the years, all of which have helped me to grow as a professional.

Without work-based learning and such a supportive employer that could see my potential I would not be where I am today. Work-based learning has given me many opportunities and helped me to put right some of the mistakes I made in my education as a teenager.

What are the most important skills you’ve obtained in your career?

As I have been with �ײ���Ƶ such a long time, I have grown with the company so have had the privilege of working across most departments and roles, giving me extensive knowledge of how �ײ���Ƶ operates.

This, alongside the knowledge and skills I have gained through the various levels of CIPD qualifications, has enabled me to become a trusted advisor to people at all levels of the company.

Where do you see the future of work-based learning and training going in P&D?

I believe work-based learning is slowly but surely gaining parity of esteem with other educational pathways which is brilliant to see but there is still more to do in this area. Within P&D, we are very much focused on emerging trends and challenges including wellbeing, automation and AI, and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

What’s the best bit of advice you’ve been given throughout your career so far?

Never stop learning! The world changes so fast, if you stop learning you risk being left behind.

What training would you recommend for people starting their career in P&D?

Definitely the CIPD qualifications. Levels 3, 5 & 7 give you the appropriate level of knowledge and skills for various points in your career.

that are fully funded via the apprenticeship route. I can’t recommend them enough.

For Jobs Growth Wales + learner Millie it was a case of watching brick-laying videos online and thinking ‘let’s give that a try’.��

Millie came to �ײ���Ƶ after a challenging time at school, where she undertook her Multi Skilled Construction qualification. But it wasn’t plain sailing from the start.��

“In the beginning I sat around doing very little because I was nervous,” she explains. “Then my tutor sat me down in his office and said ‘do you actually want to do this because if you do you have to put the work in. It was the kick I needed to get on with it. Since then, I have been brick-laying every day and learning the craft.”��

While brick-laying was the main topic of interest for Millie while working towards her qualification at �ײ���Ƶ, she has since joined contractors Direct Maintenance on placement, and has had to get to grips with a number of new skills.��

“With them I do rendering, plastering, cutting plasterboard and wood,” she said. “I like doing bathroom and kitchen jobs because it’s amazing to see the difference from the before to the after.”��

Despite being the only female in the team, Millie was quick to find her feet within the team, with them ensuring that accommodations such as suitable bathroom facilities were put in place.��

“I love my colleagues,” Millie said. “They’re funny and they’ve commented that I’m reliable. I show up every day and I am in the spot where I have to meet them on time. I will also try anything, I enjoy the work. They’ve been very accommodating.”��

Millie’s tutor, Ian Rees, has seen her development throughout the JGW+ journey. He said: “Since joining us at �ײ���Ƶ, Millie has excelled in both her construction skills and personal confidence. Millie’s brickwork skills are of a very high standard and along the way, with each assessment passed and each goal reached, her confidence has grown and grown.����

“As part of her course she has completed her CSCS training and test where she had to answer 45 out of 50 questions correctly about health & safety within construction. This was a massive confidence boost for Millie and on a personal note, as her tutor, I was extremely proud of her especially knowing how hard she had studied for it.”��

So far, Millie has completed her Level 1 award and certificate as part of her Multi Skilled Construction course. She is now working on her essential skills where she has completed her Application of Numbers, and is currently finishing her City & Guilds Level 2 Essential Communication Skills. She is hoping to continue her learning within her placement company.��

Asked if she had any words of advice for someone, particularly other women, looking to pursue a career in construction, Millie said: “Just do it and don’t let the boys put you down, some of them tried to with me and I was better than them. Just keep going and just ignore them. If you want it you just need to put the work in.”��