Cardiff and Vale College Apprenticeships has effective strategic planning that is aligned to local and national need and skills priority sectors. It has worked well with stakeholders, including the Welsh Government, to develop innovative new programmes including working with the creative and cultural skills sector to run a dedicated shared apprenticeship programme in cultural heritage for 33 learners that were not in education, employment or training (NEET).
The college has worked well with local authorities to raise the profile and understanding of the routes through apprenticeships and the opportunities they provide. It promotes apprenticeships in local schools and has taken part in school challenges to encourage young people into technical apprenticeships.
The college has worked hard to appeal to under-represented groups such as those from ethnic minority communities and those from less affluent areas, developing links with local employers and community groups, running awareness and recruitment events within these communities. The college developed the Deloitte and BBC journalism apprenticeships to increase diversity. It has also designed and delivered complementary programmes such as supported Internships at Dow for those with learning difficulties and disabilities.
The college works with a wide range of employers, supporting inward investment and matching the skills of apprentices effectively, for example through the development of financial services apprenticeships in the financial and professional services sector in Cardiff. This work has showcased apprenticeships with key employers including Aston Martin and Future PLC.
