Neath Port Talbot Council has reached a key milestone in the development of the proposed pre‑16 Vocational Centre at the former Education Library & Resource Centre (ELRS) at the corner of Reginald Street and Villiers Street, Velindre, Port Talbot.
Following consultation with young people the centre has been named Trefelin Pathways to Progression and will build on the vocational education work that is already taking place in schools across NPT, in preparation for the vocational qualifications due to be introduced in September 2027.
Planning permission has now been approved for the project, allowing detailed design work to progress and enabling the transformation of the currently vacant Victorian building into a modern, sustainable learning facility. The project is being delivered in line with the Strategic Schools Improvement Programme, with funding from Welsh Government Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme.
The new centre will support learners aged 14–16 by providing practical, bilingual vocational training across a wide range of disciplines. These include construction trades, hair and beauty, hospitality and catering, animal care, engineering, creative media, travel and tourism and emerging digital pathways. The development aligns with the national qualification restructure due to begin in 2027.
The centre will allow expansion of the popular Pathways to Progression programme in schools. This already offers schools a unique opportunity for learners to engage in qualifications delivered by specialist trained vocational tutors who have previously worked in their industries. It will enable schools and learners to undertake these qualifications in purpose built vocational workshops and will allow schools to offer expanded vocational opportunities, ensuring parity for vocational qualifications across Neath Port Talbot schools.
Since the initial announcement, significant progress has been made in refining the design. The approved scheme incorporates a fabric first, low carbon retrofit approach and includes a major upgrade of the site’s central courtyard, which will be enclosed with a lightweight ETFE canopy to create a flexible, weather protected social and learning space.
The design also includes nature friendly features like new green spaces, better landscaping and improved drainage systems. These will enhance the educational environment while supporting biodiversity and delivering environmental benefits for the wider community.
Work to date has included extensive engagement with residents, schools, service teams and technical specialists. The upcoming phase will focus on preparing for construction, finalising internal layouts and coordinating specialist vocational spaces to ensure the facility fully meets learner, curriculum and community needs.
Once complete, the Vocational Centre will provide a dedicated, visionary facility supporting the development of practical skills, employment pathway and community learning opportunities for the people of Neath Port Talbot.
