Itec and Vale of Glamorgan Council Partnership Creates Lasting Impact for Learners

Itec’s partnership with the Vale of Glamorgan Council continues to go from strength to strength, delivering meaningful work placement opportunities and real progression outcomes for learners across the region.

The partnership began when Patrick Coombes, Itec’s Employability Officer, developed a strong working relationship with the Council’s HR and Administration team. This led to two Barry-based learners being welcomed into work placements at the Civic Offices. The impact was immediate. As Hanne Jenkins, HR Projects Officer at the Vale of Glamorgan Council, explains, “It has been a total game changer. Having the girls here has been a huge positive for us all. They are given real responsibility, which supports the whole team, and they are truly thriving.”

Hanne, Aleena, Lilly and Georgina – HR Lifecycle team

Following the success of these initial placements, the department quickly offered opportunities to two more learners. This strong start opened the door to wider collaboration across the council. Through the support of the HR Manager, Patrick was introduced to other departments including Waste and Recycling, Parks and Recreation and more. Today, seven Itec learners are on placement across the Vale of Glamorgan Council, with demand continuing to grow. Reflecting on this expansion, HR Manager Mike Gelder said, “Give me more learners and we will find a way to make it work in our department or in others. I’m excited to continue this great partnership and hopefully increase the presence of Itec learners across the Vale Council.”

A defining feature of the partnership has been the exceptional support provided by learner mentors across the council. Mentors regularly invest time in supporting learners with CV writing, interview preparation and job applications for roles within the council, helping them to build confidence and prepare for employment. Anthony Mapstone, Area Manager at Itec, has seen this impact first-hand: “Every learner who has been placed at the Vale Council has spoken so positively about the mentor team and the environment. The growth in confidence and sense of purpose has been incredible.” After visiting the site himself, Anthony added, “It is a warm, welcoming workplace filled with people who genuinely care about supporting young people to achieve their ambitions.”

One standout success story is former Barry learner Aleena Anwar. During her placement with the Vale of Glamorgan Council, Aleena developed the skills, confidence and work-readiness needed to take her next step into employment. She has since secured a role within Itec’s Customer Service department, a progression made easy by the experience gained during her placement.

The partnership has also proved mutually beneficial. Like many local authorities, the Vale of Glamorgan Council has faced funding and staffing challenges. Itec learners have provided valuable day-to-day support to teams managing increasing workloads, with council staff regularly highlighting the positive difference learners make.

Aleena’s first day in HR

Zayan – Alps Garage Front Desk (left) Levi – Transfer Station (middle) John Paul – Alps Depot – HR Waste management (right)

Patrick Coombes (Itec Employability Officer) said, “This relationship and the help and support from the whole of the Vale of Glamorgan Council (Alps, Civic, Libraries, Park and Gardens) has been nothing short of sensational. They have fully bought in to the project and it really demonstrates the positive impact that can happen that by matching placements to learners can lead to excellent results and outcomes. I must also express my gratitude and support for my teams in both Barry and Cardiff, as without their high standards and excellent mentorship in getting the learners work ready, they would not have succeeded in the way that they have.”

Alongside hands-on experience, learners continue to achieve recognised qualifications while on placement, including Essential Skills Wales, Customer Service and IT User qualifications. In a further example of progression, one learner based at the Recycling Plant has recently been awarded external funding through the Vale to complete a forklift licence, opening up new career pathways.

Lilly, Kristyna, Aleena – HR civic offices

For learners, the supportive environment has been transformative. Current learner Lilly shared her experience of working across the council, saying, “The team at the Vale are so supportive and kind. I’m not yet sure what career path I want to follow, but I’ve been able to work across multiple departments, and they have supported me through any anxieties I had.” She added, “I’m now handling customer service enquiries from the public, something I never imagined I’d have the confidence to do.”

Itec is proud to work in partnership with the Vale of Glamorgan Council to create inclusive, supportive and impactful opportunities that help learners build confidence, gain qualifications and move closer to sustainable employment.