ACT takes over Acorn to deliver top training
Training provider ACT has acquired Acorn Learning Solutions – the training arm of leading recruitment agency Acorn.
The deal, the value of which is not being disclosed, brings together a wide portfolio of apprenticeships and skills training solutions to thousands of employers.
In 2016 ACT was itself acquired by Cardiff and Vale College, but continues to operate as a separate commercial venture.
Newport-based Acorn Learning Solutions, formerly part of the Acorn Group, employs 60 people and delivers apprenticeships and skills training solutions to more than 1,200 businesses across Wales and England.
Acorn Learning Solutions will continue to operate as a separate company to ACT under the new brand ALS.
The rebranded ALS team will move from Acorn’s head office at Somerton House in Newport to ACT’s head office at Ocean Park House in Cardiff.
The team will be led by two former directors of Acorn Learning Solutions, Sarah John, commercial director, and Helena Williams, corporate development They will be supported by ACT’s managing director Richard Spear, who will chair a newly-formed Board for ALS.
ACT, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, has 12 training centres across south and mid Wales
A leading provider of training and apprenticeships for the Welsh Government, ACT delivers training packages across 30 different industry sectors.
Andrew Cooksley, chief executive at ACT said: “I am very excited to be bringing together two of the best training providers in Wales.
“Importantly our partnership puts us in the best position to make sure that we are upskilling young people and existing workforces to prepare the economy for a post-Brexit future.”
Ms John, who is also chair of the National Training Federation Wales (NTfW) and was recently been appointed as a member of the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW), said: “We are delighted to be coming together to form a dynamic partnership with ACT focused on growing and improving the skills sector”
Mike James, chief executive of the Cardiff and Vale College Group said: “The Cardiff Capital Region is home to vibrant and ambitious businesses and continues to be one of the fastestgrowing areas in the UK. Our region needs a strong, cohesive, informed and responsive skills offer that truly supports businesses and the economy of our region.
“We also need to work hard to continue to invest in and increase opportunities for individuals and communities.
“I am delighted to see ALS joining ACT and the CAVC Group, and look forward to working collaboratively to drive forward our shared vision to grow opportunities, invest and further the pipeline of skilled talent needed to meet the future needs of employers across the region”.