Coleg y Cymoedd has unveiled its new Ystrad Mynach campus at an official launch event following a multi-million-pound revamp.
The South Wales college has invested more than £9m into the campus over the last year, including renovations to over 20 classrooms, a new restaurant, the development of VR and robotic provisions, a painting and decorating workshop, as well as the creation of a dedicated sports facility.
Attended by local employers, industry partners and school representatives, the event saw invitees tour the recently refurbished classrooms and new facilities before enjoying a three-course seated meal at the campus’ new and improved ‘Scholars’ restaurant, whose acclaimed team has been shortlisted for the finals of this year’s Wales Food Awards.
Over £2 million has been spent on improving the restaurant and catering facilities at Ystrad, including the complete refurbishment of its Scholars Restaurant and kitchen ensuring the next generation of Hospitality and Catering learners are trained in a superb environment. The launch comes as the campus celebrates 50 years of catering provisions at the site, with former learner, Michael Coggan, who went on to win Channel 4’s Bake Off The Professionals, also attending the event to show support for the college that kickstarted his career.
The brand new £2.5 million sports facility, which replaces a previous facility, will support the training of approximately 100 sport learners each year, including those currently involved in the college’s Rugby League and Female Football academies.
Workshops for electronics, computing and painting and decorating, as well as an array of classrooms have been completely renovated to a value of almost £2 million. The college has also introduced workshops and equipment to support skills in emerging technologies like robotics and virtual reality, which Coleg y Cymoedd has seen increasing demand for from employers.
As well as celebrating the investments made to the campus, the event showcased the strength of the college’s facilities and courses to key partners, like local businesses and apprenticeship providers, to help forge new employment pathways for learners as well as support existing partnerships.
Jonathan Morgan, Principal at Coleg y Cymoedd: “We’re really excited to be showing our partners all the things we have been working on at Ystrad over the last two years to improve our facilities and ensure learners leave college having had the best learning experience possible.
“Our renovations will mean our graduates finish their qualifications equipped with the skills they need to jump right into their chosen careers, whether they’ve looking to go to university, enter an apprenticeship or pursue professional sporting routes. Having top facilities also helps us to work with local partners and map out direct career and work experience opportunities.”
