The college@ Aber Valley
officially opens its doors
Jeff Cuthbert AM and Sarah Jones, Chief Executive of Ufi Ltd, officially open the College @ Aber Valley
Aber Valley.” The College @ Aber Valley is presently open Monday to Friday (9am –4pm). Subject to availability these hours will be extended, Monday to Thursday evenings, (5pm-8pm) and Saturday (9am-12 noon). Anyone interested in the courses available at The College @ Aber Valley can call into the centre for an informal chat, email abervalley@ystrad-mynach.ac.uk or telephone 02920831562.
pace and build confidence gradually.” Husband and wife, Geoffrey and Glenys Lewis have completed a number of IT courses with learndirect and do most of their studying at home. Mrs Lewis said: “learndirect is ideal for us as we can fit learning in between other commitments. We look after our grandchildren most afternoons so would not be able to attend set classes. The flexibility of online learning means that we can sign up to a course at Cwmafan library and work through the learning from our computer at home. We enjoy studying together and know that we can always call into the library for help when we need it.”
Ystrad Mynach College opened a new learndirect centre in May.
The College @ Aber Valley was officially opened by Jeff Cuthbert AM and Sarah Jones, Chief Executive of Ufi.
Following on the success of the @ colleges at Bargoed, Blackwood and Caerphilly, The College @ Aber Valley will provide IT training for up to 300 learners in a friendly relaxed atmosphere. Students can attend at flexible hours agreed between centre staff and students.
The College @ Aber Valley has a large area on the upper floor where at present Welsh and Basic Skills classes are being held.
The college has established close links with local providers and proposes to adapt the
upper floor area to benefit learners within the community and beyond.
The College @ Aber Valley is an accredited learndirect centre. It is hoped that the new centre will follow in the success of the other College sites, which already provide learndirect courses.
Chief Executive of Ufi, Sarah Jones said: “learndirect aims to break down barriers to learning and by placing learndirect centres in the hearts of communities, we are making the route to learning more accessible. Ufi Cymru have worked successfully with Ystrad Mynach College for a number of years to deliver learndirect courses to individuals, business and communities and I look forward to seeing more success stories with the opening of the College @
Hywel Francis MP explores cyberspace in Cwmafan
Husband and wife, Geoffrey and Glenys Lewis receive their
learndirect achievement certificates form Hywel Francis MP at
Cwmafan library
Aberavon MP, Hywel Francis visited a group of learndirect learners at Cwmafan library during Adult Learners’ Week to celebrate silver surfers’ day and find out how flexible learning opportunities provided by Neath Port TalbotCollege and learndirect are enabling learners to build skills with ease.
Hywel Francis said: “It has been good to meet so many learners and see what is available to local people. It is
very encouraging to see people getting online and improving their skills.” Co-ordinator of Cultural Services at Neath Port Talbot Library Services, Lloyd Ellis said: “We are delighted that Hywel Francis was able to visit our centre and see the results of our partnership with Neath Port Talbot College. “The flexibility of learndirect is very popular with a wide range of learners and is ideal for our silver surfers as they can follow courses at their own
