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ACT Training has been recognised with a national award for its work in motivating young people to follow their career dreams and aspirations by UK charity Business in the Community (BITC).
Wales’ largest training provider received the Wales and West Utilities Inspiring Young Talent accolade at the Wales Responsible Business Awards 2014.
The awards are part of the UK’s longest-running and most respected awards scheme, and recognise businesses that achieve commercial success whilst making a positive difference to society.
ACT Training not only achieved BITC’s Big Tick Award, but was also named the overall category winner for Wales in the Inspiring Young Talent Award, which aims to recognise the positive contribution business’ makes to the social, economic and environmental challenges faced by young people in Wales.
ACT was recognised for its ‘Earn While You Learn’ Traineeship programme, which over the past three years has supported more than 1,000 young people into employment, education or training.
Andrew Cooksley, ACT’s Managing Director, said: “Many young people are unsure of their options after leaving school or getting their exam results, so traineeships give young people a strong focus and arm them with the skills they need to succeed in an ever changing workplace.
“Learners leave ACT as employable, qualified and adaptable young people, and is something that we are consistently delighted by, so it’s an honour to be recognised for this and a great moment for the team at ACT that work so hard to make it happen.”
The Big Tick is a leading endorsement of responsible business, and companies are awarded for initiatives tackling a range of issues: from building long-term partnerships with schools and in the community, to inspiring young talent and supporting the growth of SMEs and social enterprise.
ACT’s Traineeship programme engages with young people who are at risk of becoming NEET (not in employment, education or training) with the aim of working with them to overcome any barriers they have to learning, and inspiring them to choose a vocational career or educational pathway.
The announcement was made at the Wales Responsible Business Awards Gala Dinner on 26 June at the Swalec Stadium in Cardiff.
Commenting on ACT’s achievement, Rosie Sweetman, Director of Business in the Community in Wales said: “All year round, responsible businesses across Wales are making a positive difference to the economic, environmental and social challenges we face as a nation, in ways that support their business goals.
“I congratulate all of those companies who have achieved a Big Tick this year. I look forward to working with all the companies to grow the responsible business community and demonstrate that business in Wales is a force for good.”
The 2014 Wales Responsible Business Awards were sponsored by Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, the Welsh Government, Finance Wales, Wales & West Utilities, Network Rail Cymru Wales, Careers Wales, Menter Iontach Nua and Legal & General. The Western Mail was the media partner and Principality Building Society was the entertainment partner. The Gala Dinner was kindly sponsored by Castell Howell, with the drinks reception sponsored by the SWALEC Stadium.
Established more than 25 years ago, ACT Training has helped over 9,000 young people achieve their career ambitions through a range of training opportunities including Traineeships, Apprenticeships, Higher Apprenticeships and essential skills training in numeracy and literacy.
