ACT has been a member of the Cardiff and the Vale College Group since 2016, creating the country’s largest work-based learning provider. They have 390 employees and 12 training centres across South and Mid Wales, as well as a network of 19 sub-contractors. The company is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.
Newport-based Acorn Learning Solutions employs over 60 staff and provides apprenticeships and skills training to more than 1,200 businesses across Wales and England. The company specialises in areas such as leadership, IT professional, project management, insurance and financial services, data analytics, and contact centres across Wales and England.
The acquisition of Acorn Learning Solutions by ACT increases the capacity for apprenticeships, professional qualifications, traineeships and accredited training.
Under this new partnership, Acorn Learning Solutions will continue to operate as a separate company to ACT, and under the new brand, ALS. The team will be led by Acorn Learning Solutions’ two former directors – Sarah John, commercial director and Helena Williams, corporate development director. They’ll be supported by ACT’s managing director Richard Spear, who will chair a newly-formed board for ALS.
Andrew Cooksley, chief executive at ACT, said:
“With our mutual commitment to vocational training and shared professional values, the two teams will provide greater capacity and flexibility to champion vocational training and provide opportunities to grow high-quality skills training into the future.
“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.”
Sarah John, commercial director at ALS, added:
“The move will open up a world of opportunity to collaborate on growth projects.”
