Changes at the top

 

The National Training Federation Wales’ annual meeting in Builth Wells saw Arwyn Watkins, managing director of Welshpool-based Cambrian Training Company, stand down as chairman after six years in the hot seat.

 

He moves to a newly created part-time post of chief executive officer responsible for building relationships with external stakeholders, including the Welsh Government, for the benefit of work based learners in Wales.

 

Taking over the chair is Wynne Roberts, 58, director of curriculum and standards at Yale College, Wrexham and his previous post of vice chairman is filled by Sheridan Jeffery, centre manager at Torfaen Training, Cwmbran.

 

Mr Watkins, an NTfW board member since its inception 10 years ago, has led the federation through a period of enormous change in work based training and has gained great respect for the network at the Welsh Government.

 

“The NTfW is the right vehicle to champion skills and apprenticeships and my new role will be focused on building on the solid foundations that have been set,” he said. “I am delighted that we have been able to achieve continuity with the vice chairman stepping up to the chair and the ratification of new constitution is healthy in that it secures succession planning and makes us a much more inclusive membership organisation.”

 

Mr Roberts paid tribute to the leadership of Mr Watkins and said the federation was delighted to retain his experience and expertise in a new role.

 

“Arwyn’s tenure as chairman has been very positive for the NTfW and he has established a platform where the federation is now able to influence policy decisions at the Welsh Government,” he said.

 

“I consider it a great honour to be asked to represent the membership across Wales. The NTfW has been in existence for 10 years and it has been an extremely challenging time, during which we have seen significant improvements in the performance and achievement rates of work based learning providers, learners and apprentices.

 

“With that in mind, the challenge is to move forward and grow the NTfW, further improving standards and ensuring that we continue to make a positive contribution to the Welsh economy by supporting companies. 

 

“Whilst recognising that we are operating in a climate where public funding is under extra pressure, we must continue to influence the Welsh Government to develop the skills of young people to match the needs of employers.

 

“We are endeavouring to support young people in the transition from school to work by giving them the skill sets that will allow them to survive and thrive within an extremely competitive environment for jobs.”

 

Mr Roberts, who lives in Old Colwyn, is married to family learning co-ordinator Olivia and they have two grown up children. Starting his career as an engineering apprentice in a ship repair yard in Holyhead, he gained experience as a factory production manager and training manager before becoming work based learning manager at Coleg Llandrillo Cymru for nine years. He secured his current position at Yale College six years ago.