‘It’s what Aberdare’s been waiting for’
Landmark day for town as £22m new college opens its doors:
A NEW £22m college campus where more than 600 students will study has been officially opened in Aberdare.
The new Coleg y Cymoedd campus was officially opened in Aberdare yesterday by First Minister Carwyn Jones.
The college campus has been described as a landmark for education in the Cynon Valley.
Dr Lyn Evans, a Welsh scientist who is a project leader at CERN, also attended the event. CERN is the site of the world’s largest scientific experiment, which successfully proved the existence of the Higgs boson or “God Particle”. The Higgs boson is an elementary particle in the Standard Model of particle physics.
Dr Evans, who is originally from Aberdare, flew home to Wales from the CERN site in Switzerland to discuss the importance of providing opportunities to encourage new generations to study science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and “high value” careers in industry.
The new campus was jointly funded by Coleg y Cymoedd and Welsh Government, with the Welsh Government contributing £11m to the project. The funding came from the 21st Century Schools and Education Programme, which is seeing more than £1.4bn invested in the five years to 2019.
The college, which also has campuses in Nantgarw, Rhondda and Ystrad Mynach, says early indications show an “upsurge” in enrolment, which it in part credits to its work building partnerships with local comprehensive schools and employers.
Designed over three floors, the main building of the new campus houses facilities for specialist courses including computing, creative media, care and childhood studies, hospitality and catering, and hair and beauty.
The facilities also include a professional hairdressing salon, restaurant, and a coffee shop.
Judith Evans, principal of Coleg y Cymoedd, said: “This is truly a day of celebration as we officially open the doors of the new campus to showcase the facility Aberdare has been waiting for.
“We believe that it is the right of all in Wales to have access to high quality education and training that leads to real employment paths.
“We are grateful to Welsh Government for joining us in our mission to ensure that our communities in Rhondda Cynon Taf and Caerphilly can access the facilities and opportunities they deserve. Our thanks also go to the businesses who work with us each year to allow our learners to gain the experience and job opportunities that will see them prosper.
“Most of all, we welcome our Aberdare community to join us to explore and enjoy the facility we have created here, and discover how we can support them in achieving their personal goals.”
Carwyn Jones said: “I am proud the Welsh Government has supported this new college with £11m of funding. When you look around this fantastic site, you can see it has been money well spent.
“This new college provides students with the most modern environment and very best resources to help them realise their potential.
“As well as benefiting teachers and students, the college will be an invaluable community resource for the people of Aberdare to use and enjoy.”
Vikki Howells AM, who represents the Cynon Valley, said: “The creation of a fit-for-purpose further education facility in Aberdare is great news for the town, and indeed for the Cynon Valley as a whole, giving staff and students a learning environment they can be proud of.
“This development will also, I hope, be a great boost to shops and businesses in the town centre, and help further support the local economy.”