In Mid-May Training Solutions Wales (TSW) and Vale of Glamorgan Training Association (VGTA), the services to business arm of Coleg Glan Hafren and the work-based learning provider of Barry College respectively, announced their decision to collaborate at an event in the Copthorne Hotel. The event was attended by Jane Hutt, the Welsh Assembly Minister for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills.

TSW and VGTA are two of the larger work-based learning training providers in South East Wales. They can both draw on the teaching resources and facilities of Coleg Glan Hafren and Barry College to offer a wealth of courses designed for employers.

Coleg Glan Hafren and TSW’s specialisms are in the Automotive Industry; Construction Technologies (or "dry trades") such as Heating and Ventilation, Refrigeration and Air-conditioning, Fabrication & Welding; plus Care & Pharmacy. Barry College and VGTA offer the Prince’s Trust Team Programme, Aeronautical Engineering and "wet trades" in Construction such as Brickwork, Painting & Decoration and Carpentry. Both colleges offer Hair and Beauty training, Construction skills such as Electrical Engineering and Plumbing, Childcare courses and a wealth of Business and Professional courses.

Both VGTA and TSW have maintained a harmonious working relationship for many years and announced their decision to collaborate more closely at the Copthorne Hotel event on 13th May to be able to offer a wider range of services tailored towards business needs.

Gary Evans, Coleg Glan Hafren’s Commercial Director and TI Hall, VGTA Chief Executive said in a joint statement, "A collaboration between VGTA and TSW is the ideal way to share clients, expertise and projects to benefit the employers of South Wales and beyond. We expect the collaboration to deliver more flexibility to employers and more courses tailored to suit their needs, to help ease businesses out of recession in a stronger position."

The Collaboration event was attended by around 80 delegates from the Sector Skills Councils, employers, private training providers, professional trade organisations, Careers Wales, Job Centre Plus and the Welsh Assembly Minister Jane Hutt. The Minister for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills spoke at the event, as did Lynne Marshall Human Resource Development (HRD) Advisor and Liz Owen from Job Centre Plus.

Children, Education, Lifelong learning and Skills Minister Jane Hutt said, "The collaboration between these two excellent work based learning providers is a fantastic example of sharing knowledge and expertise through a partnership that will benefit many employees across Wales.

"The Welsh Assembly Government has responded positively to global economic challenges through a variety of schemes such as the highly successful ProAct and React which have provided support to businesses and unemployed people across Wales. We continue to fully recognise and congratulate other positive responses throughout the Welsh economy."

TSW and VGTA will offer a full range of services to business, from modern apprenticeships to work based learning and assessment, short courses and even invigilation and venue hire. Vale of Glamorgan Training Association can be contacted on 01446 748212 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Training Solutions Wales can be contacted on 029 20 908006, or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it