Acorn wins Apprenticeship Provider of the Year Award in Wales

Leading UK training provider Acorn Learning Solutions has been named Apprenticeship Provider of the Year at the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru.

The award, received by the Acorn Learning team of Corporate Development Director Helena Williams, Corporate Director Sarah John and Director of Operations Barbara Poole – recognised the company’s “record for innovation and delivering learning and development solutions that add real value.”

Wales-based Acorn Learning Solutions – part of the Acorn Recruitment and Training Group – delivers apprenticeships in a number of sectors, including insurance and banking, management, customer service, administration, retailing, logistics and warehousing distribution, learning and development, IT and telecommunications, manufacturing, care, engineering and contact centre work.

Over the past five years, Acorn has trained 4,386 apprentices and currently has 1,214 on a programme. Bespoke and customised apprenticeships are delivered to a wide range of employers.

Some of Acorn’s sector-leading work includes the development of a new pilot for higher education credits at Level 4 in year 12 with Cardiff Business School and progression opportunities for apprentices into higher education learning through Universities Heads of the Valleys Institute (UHOVI).

Acorn Learning Corporate Development Director Helena Williams said: “We are thrilled to win this award, which is testament to the hard work and determination of not only the Acorn Learning Solutions team, but the support we have received from all our stakeholders.

“The development of bespoke/customised apprenticeship programmes for employers utilise a mixture of delivery partners and ensure that both the learner and employer receive the most suitable and appropriate training, and that the required outcomes are met.

“Acorn Learning Solutions is committed to the continued development of its training delivery solutions, taking an innovative approach to industry requirements, investing heavily in technology to improve and enhance the learning experience.”

The Apprenticeship Awards Cymru, staged in the Welsh capital of Cardiff, brought together learners, employers and training providers who have shown a dedication and commitment to skills development.

Organised by the Welsh Government in partnership with the National Training Federation for Wales (NTfW), the awards were attended by Welsh Deputy Minister for Skills, Jeff Cuthbert, who paid tribute to all 19 awards finalists.

Picture caption: Left to right: Ray Edwards, Director of Sales at awards sponsor Pearson; Acorn Director of Operations, Barbara Poole; Acorn Corporate Development Director, Helena Williams; and Acorn Corporate Director, Sarah John.

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