Education Minister visits Barry College's Cardiff Construction Training Centre

[Chris Baker]

Leighton Andrews AM, Minister for Children, Education and Lifelong Learning paid a visit to Barry College’s Cardiff Construction Training Centre (CCTC) last week to take part in a question and answer session with Carpentry and Brickwork students.

Accompanied by John Griffiths AM, Mr Andrews was given a tour of the workshops in the Cardiff Bay centre and then met with a group of 30 Construction students who are all on the Pathways to Apprenticeships scheme. He talked about his reasons for getting into politics and his work as a minister in the Welsh Assembly Government.

Mr Andrews also discussed the challenges facing the construction industry in Wales, which he believes will rally strongly in coming years, and the work the Assembly has done in promoting apprenticeships. He also pledged to talk to sector skills council, Construction Skills, regarding the students’ concerns over work placements.

Education Minister, Leighton Andrews said: “I am pleased to have the opportunity to visit Barry College’s Construction Centre and see first-hand the opportunities for students here.

 

“The specialist training on offer at the Construction Centre gives students the skills they need to build a career in the industry. Courses are available for a range of students, from adults who are currently unemployed and looking to develop new skills to re-enter work, to apprentices completing work based training – each are aiming for the qualifications needed to get ahead on the career ladder.

 

“The Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification adds a new dimension to the construction courses available at the college, aiming to broaden the experience and skills of students in preparation for the next step in their lives.”

Mr Griffiths added: “There will be opportunities for all of you and I wish you all the very best. I am sure you will put the skills you learn here at Barry College to very good use.”

Notes for editors

• Pics show John Griffiths AM  and Leighton Andrews (bottom centre, left to right) being shown around the CCTC with Centre Manager Kevin Robinson and Leighton Andrews and John Griffiths with CCTC students and staff
• For more information contact Chris Baker on 01446 725015 or [e-mail]
• To find out more about Barry College visit barry.ac.uk or follow us on Facebook or Twitter @barrycollege                       

 

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