A NEW skills centre will be opening in Barry to help unemployed youths.

Wales' leading training provider, ACT Training, will open the new centre located at 41 Holton Road on September 7 and will offer young people, specifically 16-18 years olds, a range of Traineeship programmes designed to kick start their careers.

Latest Welsh Government statistics indicate that youth unemployment is Wales is on the decline, but there are still 12,200 16-18 year olds who are not in education, training or employment (NEET).

In order to prevent young people becoming NEET, school leavers need a helping hand progressing from education to the workplace and this is what a Traineeship is for. A Traineeship is a fantastic Pre-Apprenticeship training programme that prepares 16-18 year olds for the world of work.

Managing director of ACT Training, Andrew Cooksley said: “With the help of some fantastic local partners, we are committed to support young people fulfil their career potential. Our new Barry Skills Centre will help to connect with local young people with local employers, providing them with real opportunities on their door step and in the rest of South East Wales.”

The new centre, like all ACT centres, will offer a modern learning environment with study areas that are fitted with state-of-the-art IT facilities, including Apple Mac computers.

As well as receiving top employability training and a high quality work placement, learners at the Barry skills centre can also expect to enjoy many other benefits, including fully-funded day trips and residentials to ACT’s outdoor activity centre – Ynys Hywel.

Learners will also have access to Learning Coaches, an in-house Counsellor and Opportunities Advisors – all of whom are there to ensure learners make the most of their time at ACT and help guarantee their success beyond ACT.