25 years and counting for Powys Training

A Powys County Council service is celebrating 25 years of supporting individuals and local employers with their training and development needs.

Powys Training, which was formed in 1988 to help those who were unemployed, operates in six key towns across Powys.  At the time of its inception, it introduced two training programmes – the Employment Training (ET) and the Youth Training (YTS) programmes.

Designed to meet the individuals’ and local industries needs, the aims of the ET was to enable those to gain the skills to find and keep a job while providing employers with the trained workforce they require.  The YTS was created to support school leavers to develop their employment skills.

Aprille Saunders, Powys Training’s General Manager, said: “Although the programme names have changed many times, the aims have stayed a constant focus over the last 25 years.  We have supported hundreds of people during this time with both work experience and employment, giving so many people the opportunity to develop and flourish.”

As a member of the Mid Wales Work Based Learning Consortium, Powys Training provides learners with the opportunity to gain new skills and qualifications while on Traineeship, Work Ready and Apprenticeship programmes.  Work based learning is part financed by the European Social Fund through the Welsh Government.

“We have seen a real uptake for Apprenticeship places across the county,” said Aprille.  “The council has more than 55 staff following an apprenticeship framework, which consists of an occupationally specific Certificate or Diploma and Essential Skills Wales certificates in Application of Number, Communication and ICT.”

For more information, please contact Powys Training on 0800 328 0881 or visit our website www.powys-training.co.uk

PICTURE: Powys Training staff celebrated 25 years of supporting individuals and local employers with their training and development needs.