ACT, John Collins and Partners, Thistle Hotels

Apr 23 2008 by Anne Fletcher, Western Mail

WALES’ largest construction skills training facility has appointed a centre manager to drive forward its ambitious plans to deliver “world class” learning to up to 1,500 youngsters a year.

Hayley Rees, left, 32, has taken on the challenging role of leading Skills Academy, work-based learning provider ACT’s new £2m training centre on Hadfield Road, Cardiff. She previously ran the work-based learning department at Coleg Morgannwg in Rhondda Cynon Taf, and has managed the construction centre at Barry Training Centre.

Ms Rees, who lives in Cardiff, will oversee the delivery of qualifications from entry level to NVQ level 3 in bricklaying, plastering, carpentry, tiling, plumbing and painting and decorating, as well as animal care and catering. She will also work closely with the career services that refer the trainees and liaise with local employers that could potentially offer work placements.

High on her agenda is spotting talented youngsters to compete in the prestigious World Skills Competition, which will be held in Calgary, Canada in next year, and London in 2011.

World Skills, the largest skills competition in the world, sets global standards in more than 40 vocational categories ranging from construction to hairdressing. It typically attracts competitors from as many as 50 countries and Ms Rees is keen to boost Wales’ presence in the UK squad.

“I’m really excited about the challenge that I’ve been set at ACT’s Skills Academy – which is to deliver world class learning in a wide range of vocational subjects,” she said.

“I believe we’ve got all the tools required to fulfil this requirement: state-of-the-art facilities, dedicated and highly qualified staff, strong partnerships with our stakeholders – and above all a group of young people who are showing heaps of potential.

“What I’m really keen to do now is to establish good links with local employers so that these youngsters have the chance to put their skills into practice – and obviously to gain new ones.”

Andrew Cooksley, managing director of ACT, said: “With Hayley’s experience in both the work-based learning and construction fields, I am confident that we can really go for gold and deliver the highest quality vocational training and eventually provide employers with some of the most talented and motivated young people in the industry.”

Partnerships for talented trio

SWANSEA law firm John Collins and Partners has appointed three new partners, following one of its most successful years of business to date.

It is one of the largest number of partners created at the firm at one time, following a significant boost in the company’s workload in a number of legal areas.

The new partners, all internal promotions, are Matthew Owen and Meinir Davies, from the firm’s clinical negligence department and Neil Jacobi, a contentious trusts and probate litigation specialist.

Managing partner Steve Penny, said: “We are delighted to welcome three such talented solicitors to the partnership. Their appointments clearly demonstrate the firm’s continuing growth in all practice areas and will ensure that we continue to deliver outstanding levels of service to all our clients across the business.”

“Matthew, Meinir and Neil are three of the most effective specialists in their respective fields. In their years at JCP we have seen each of their teams go from strength to strength under their direction.”

Martin takes over the helm at Parc hotel after £15m revamp

THISTLE HOTELS has announced the appointment of Martin Orme as the new general manager of Thistle’s Parc Hotel in Cardiff.

Mr Orme will be responsible for overseeing the preparation and refurbishment of the 125-year-old hotel (formerly the Park Hotel) before it reopens in the spring.

With the recent revamping of the Thistle brand, the Parc alone received a £15m investment to bring the historic hotel hurtling into the 21st century with a contemporary new look and feel.

Mr Orme said: “This spring will see some very exciting developments in the history of both The Parc and Thistle hotels.  I couldn’t imagine a better time to be returning to the group.”

Darren Patt, area general manager for Thistle Hotels, said: “Martin joins the group at an exciting period of investment and rebranding throughout the entire Thistle portfolio.  His experience and enthusiasm will ensure The Parc’s reopening is a massive success.”