New principal hails great opportunities

AS Aled Jones-Griffith takes up his post as Principal of two of Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s three colleges – Coleg Menai and Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor – he talks about the opportunities for the further education sector at a time of great economic potential.

Mr Jones-Griffith (pictured), new Principal of Coleg Menai and Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor, has worked in the further education sector for 11 years: he was a faculty director at Coleg Menai before being appointed assistant principal for Coleg MeirionDwyfor in 2014. He now takes the helm at eight Grŵp Llandrillo Menai campuses: Coleg Menai’s Holyhead, Llangefni, Bangor, Parc Menai and Caernarfon sites, as well as Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor’s campuses in Glynllifon, Pwllheli and Dolgellau.

Aled said: “We are on the cusp of once-in-a-generation opportunities as a result of proposed projects such as Wylfa Newydd, the third Menai crossing and the Bontnewydd bypass, as well as strategic schemes forming part of the North Wales Growth Bid that will hopefully secure a £1.3bn Growth Deal.

“It goes without saying that ensuring that local people have the right vocational skills to fully take part in this period of growth is a huge priority.

“We want to achieve excellent student success but this has to be done in direct response to industry needs so the education and training we deliver is through effective networks and partnerships.”

Students can enrol on a full-time programme throughout September by going togllm.ac.uk/ school-leavers