Author: Rhys Gregory

Optrain Ltd is a local business that was established in 2004, offering training to the construction industry. They incorporate digital learning through a combination of worksite conditions with realistic controls, enabling hands-on learning, and enhancing traditional operator programmes. The business is based in Rhymney but also has a test centre at Baverstocks Junction, Llwydcoed. Optrain have gained accreditation and Test Centre status with Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS), National Plant Operators Registration Scheme (NPORS). They provide training for certifications such as Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) and National Vocational Qualification (NVQ), and work with institutions such as The College Merthyr Tydfil…

“The wealth of knowledge and expertise throughout these states and regions is huge and gives me hope we can fight against climate change and set the global path to zero emissions by 2050.” Those were the words of Climate Change Minister Julie James after attending an Under2 Coalition’s ministerial meeting in Brussels to advocate for greater subnational involvement in international climate processes. Taking place six months prior to COP 28 in Dubai, the meeting provided an opportunity for regions to come together to demonstrate their collective power and to reflect upon state and regional engagement with national, EU and international…

Wales’ new National Forest takes a further step forward today as a new scheme to enable more woodlands to become part of the network is launched. The National Forest for Wales Status Scheme paves the way for woodlands not owned by the Welsh Government to become part of the Forest. These could be small urban or community woodlands, private land or farms, or large areas of land owned by local authorities, charities or timber-producing woodlands. Any landowner or manager will be able to apply to the scheme and any type of well-managed woodland will be eligible, from newly created to…

Finance Ministers from across the UK met yesterday in Cardiff, with the cost-of-living crisis continuing to dominate talks. Topics for discussion included inflation, energy security and public spending pressures – each set against the backdrop of a cost-of-living crisis which continues to affect many aspects of people’s everyday lives. Welsh Government Minister for Finance and Local Government Rebecca Evans chaired the meeting, and said: “We know that households’ disposable incomes are continuing to fall, and additional support is still required, and will continue to be required. I have asked the Chief Secretary to the Treasury today to look into additional…

A new Toys“R”Us shop-in-shop is set to open at WHSmith in The Mall, Cwmbran, today. The new Toys“R”Us shop-in-shop in Cwmbran will open its doors to customers on Thursday 22nd June, and will follow this with a grand opening event on Saturday 8th July from 8.30am to 13.00pm, which customers are invited to come along to and celebrate the launch. At the event on Saturday 8th July, Geoffrey the Giraffe will be joining the WHSmith team for an official ribbon cutting when the store opens, before greeting visitors to the store throughout the morning. The first 30 children visiting the…

A new study reveals Cardiff has seen an uptick in photography services, bakeries, and garden centres which have all been identified as the city’s fastest growing businesses between 2017 and 2022. In particular, the number of businesses specialising in photography grew by 419%, showing that people are increasingly looking for gear that goes beyond what our smartphones are capable of. Also making their mark on the city’s economy, the number of businesses specialising in physical wellbeing has increased by 294% increase, propelling the popularity of fitness through alternative means such as yoga or dance as people look to maintain a…

Ysgol Treferthyr learners have etched their names into history during a visit to the site of their new school building, as the development hits a major milestone.  Year six pupils along with the school’s board of governors were invited by Bodelwyddan-based contractor Wynne Construction to see the shape and size of the building, with its steel beams now installed.  To mark the end of this significant stage in construction, one of the final beams was signed by the children before it was lifted into place, followed by a tour of the site, led by Wynne Construction project manager Andy Lea…

Billed as ‘the antidote to modern living’, a new camping and wellness experience launches this July among the trees at Candleston Woods. Called This Must Be The Place, the temporary campground will pop up for three weeks this summer, bringing a mix of 20 luxury bell tents and 14 campervan pitches to the site at Merthyr Mawr, Vale of Glamorgan. The experience will focus on allowing people to disconnect from their devices and ‘rewild themselves’ in the forest, among the nearby dunes and on the beach. Campers can enjoy a two hour forest sauna, dawn sea swims, communal campfires, yoga,…

There are just a few weeks left to enter the 2023 Wales STEM Awards with entries closing on 7th July. The 2023 Wales STEM Awards will shine a spotlight on the organisations and individuals making a difference to the STEM agenda in Wales. Following the success of last year’s awards, the 2023 ceremony will take place on 13th October at the Mercure Holland House Hotel in Cardiff. The awards will celebrate those leading the sector in Wales, those businesses creating an impact on the Welsh economy, those addressing the STEM diversity gap and skills shortage, and those inspiring and raising…

Young people with additional learning needs are being given a platform to showcase their skills in a competitive environment to help secure placements in the working world. King, Morgan and Cecily, from Pembrokeshire, are just one group of learners whose performance at Skills Competition Wales and WorldSkills UK has helped them land paid work experience. They are currently on a supported internship programme with major Welsh employer, Bluestone National Park Resort, having impressed the award-winning resort destination after their triumph in skills competitions. The trio, who started out at Pembrokeshire College’s Life Skills Academy, are now gaining real work experience…