Empowering Futures, Transforming Communities
About the Project
Education Elevated, Community Celebrated: Funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the Skills Ranger Scheme aimed to empower individuals and transform communities in the Afan Valley. Led by NPTC Group of Colleges, in collaboration with Wildfox Resorts Ltd, Neath Port Talbot Council, and NPT Voluntary Service, this initiative is aimed to address the need for employer-ready skills training and support the strategic economic growth plans of the local authority.
Linking Learning and Career Pathways: The project has been working towards forging strong partnerships between the College, schools, community groups, voluntary organisations, and businesses. By integrating education opportunities and creating a network of employment opportunities and apprenticeships, the Skills Ranger Scheme is paving the way for new career pathways in Wildfox Resorts Ltd and other local and regional employment opportunities.
Inclusivity and Accessibility: With a focus on community engagement, the Skills Ranger Scheme has utilised community centres and local venues as hubs for project activities. By fostering inclusivity and accessibility, the project ensures that individuals of all ages in the Afan Valley and surrounding areas can join the College in building futures through a ranger of different engagement events and opportunities.
Engagement Events: The initial engagement events in the Afan Valley were a resounding success, with enthusiastic participation from the community. Attendees had the opportunity to learn about the project and explore educational opportunities offered by NPTC Group of Colleges.
- Free Family Fun Day: Croeserw Enterprise Centre
- Engagement Event: Cwmafan Community Centre
- Engagement Event: Noddfa Community Centre, Glyncorrwg
- Free Family Fun Day: Cymmer Afan Fitness Centre
Croeserw Community Fun Day Press Release
Cymmer Family Fun Day Press Release
Enhancing Skills and Employability in the Afan Valley
As part of the Skills Ranger Scheme’s ongoing commitment to providing practical skills and enhancing employability, we’ve launched a series of highly successful training programmes. One such initiative was the 3-week catering course, which offered participants the opportunity to develop essential cooking skills, including batch cooking techniques, and to gain a Level 1 Food Hygiene Certificate. These practical skills are invaluable for those looking to pursue careers in hospitality, catering, or even start their own food-based business.
The first catering course took place at the Croeserw Enterprise Centre, where participants were introduced to a wide range of culinary skills in a hands-on environment. Building on the success of this initial session, the next batch of learners undertook the course at the Noddfa Community Centre, Glyncorrwg, a venue that became a hub for local residents eager to gain qualifications and improve their career prospects.
Supporting Communities and Expanding Networks
The Skills Ranger team has also been actively involved in a variety of employability events across the region. These events provide a crucial opportunity for residents to learn about local job opportunities, training schemes, and career pathways. We attended several NPT Employability Events throughout the area, engaging directly with individuals who are seeking to improve their job prospects, particularly in light of the changing economic landscape.
In addition, representatives from the project participated in an employability event at TATA Steel, where they spoke with staff facing redundancy, offering guidance on retraining options, new career pathways, and local employment opportunities. These sessions are vital for workers who may need to reskill and transition into new roles within the community.
The Skills Ranger team also attended a networking event organised by 4theRegion, which brought together businesses, educators, and community leaders to explore collaborative opportunities. These events are integral to strengthening the connections between local industries, education providers, and the people who are key to building a thriving, sustainable workforce in the Afan Valley.
Empowering Individuals, Strengthening Communities
These outreach activities, alongside our targeted training courses, are helping to bridge the skills gap, providing individuals with the tools they need to secure meaningful, long-term employment. By offering practical training in key sectors like catering, hospitality, and employability, the Skills Ranger Scheme is not only improving individual livelihoods but also contributing to the economic growth of the region.
With each new event, course, and partnership, the Skills Ranger Scheme continues to make a lasting impact on the Afan Valley, empowering people with the skills and support they need to build brighter futures.
Building Futures Together
Going forward the aims for the project are to continue engagement in the area with more events; and partnerships with local businesses and education providers and working towards putting on taster sessions and classes in the area.
The planned launch of the Wildfox resort in the Afan Valley will breathe new life into the area and bring hundreds of jobs to the local communities. In addition to the initial construction jobs, there will be a wealth of employment opportunities across the hospitality and catering industry. Proposed onsite sport and pampering facilities will lead to jobs in personal training as well as hairdressing and beauty therapy. The College has a huge range of practical courses and is committed to ensuring and developing the employability of the local workforce.
Funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the Skill Ranger Scheme has received £260,777 to support its mission of empowering individuals and transforming communities.
If you would like more information on the Project please email skills-ranger-project@nptcgroup.ac.uk.
Click here to register your interest in any future developments in the area
Click here to find out more about the Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF)
