Learners Training Centre

Cardiff Academy

The centre moved into its current premises, Crawshay Court, in January 2011. The centre offers a modern training environment for both youth and adult learners.

All training rooms have IT facilities and there is an additional separate IT suite for learners’ use. Basic Skills needs are also provided for in a separate Basic Skills room with a supportive, nurturing environment. Learners’ recreational needs are also catered for, both youth and adult learners having their own Recreation Rooms for use at break and lunchtimes.

The centre delivers a range of prevocational qualifications together with Essential/Key Skills prior to learners moving into work placement, where they work towards vocationally recognised qualifications.

We aim to prepare both youths and adults for the world of work and we acknowledge and reward achievements by awarding a Learner of the Month Award for youths and adults. In addition to these qualifications, the centre offers ESDGC (Education for Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship) and a variety of Enrichment Activities designed to help develop confidence and expand their horizons. These activities have included visits to various places of interest, outside speakers and sporting activities.

Porth Centres

Porth ITEC Adult Centre is situated in the main high street close to the train and bus station

Porth youth Centre is situated on a small industrial estate a short walk from Porth town centre and has ample off road parking. Both centres opened in 2007 and have developed a reputation for our open door policy, quality of placements and qualifications delivered.

The adult centre helps learners to gain confidence while at ITEC, finds placements for them with possible job outcomes as well as helping them to acquire quality qualifications progressing on to an NVQ Level 1 and 2. At present this centre has two learning suites both with IT facilities.

The youth centre has a fully equipped construction workshop and three learning suites all with IT facilities. This centre also deals with learners who have learning difficulties on a one-to-one basis as well as integrating them into small groups when ready. We deliver Key/ Essential skills, Work skills, preparation for employment as well as NVQ in construction, hair dressing, retail administration and many more subjects.

Since opening we have helped learners gain employment and improve their understanding of with money matters homelessness, drink and drug dependencies and other issues. We also arrange a series of 'enrichment' activities such as museum visits, recycling items to make clothes and growing their own fruit/ veg for our allotment.

Both centres are due to expand soon and we will then be able to help more adults and young people in our area

Newport Centre

Newport ITEC is situated in the Business Exchange in the heart of the city of Newport. It opened in February 2010 and has developed a reputation for quality placement students in the work based environment.

The centre currently aims to give young people between the age of 16 and 18 the opportunity to grow and develop, thus becoming a valued member of society.

We promote good manners, hard work and acknowledge achievements. At present Newport Academy has four modern learning suites all with IT facilities and in addition the Skillz Café, which is staffed by our learners as a social enterprise. The centre delivers a number of pre vocational qualifications such as Key/Essential Skills, and Work Skills prior to our learners moving into placement to achieve vocationally recognised qualifications.

Since opening, we have involved the learners in a variety of activities, such as a Fashion Show and Christmas Pantomime. These activities help to develop and increase the confidence of the learners.

The centre is due to expand shortly and will therefore be able to help and advise more young people and we are currently establishing an Adult Academy ready for August 2011.