At ACT, we are extremely passionate about making a positive difference to people’s lives by providing excellent learning programmes and opportunities.
We have worked closely with over 480 schools to provide high quality training programmes, supporting schools and the wider education sector to meet their continuous professional development (CPD) requirements and to ensure staff have the knowledge and resources they need, both in and beyond the classroom.
ACT and our sister company ALS can provide these fully funded solutions because we are part of the Cardiff and Vale College Group, one of the largest college groups in the UK. Together we are the largest provider of skills-based training in Wales.
With the support of Welsh Government funding ACT and ALS can assist with upskilling your staff to match the unique needs of your school.
This guide provides a brief overview of the qualifications, professional development opportunities and support that Schools Assist can offer your incredible staff.
Professional Development
*Please use the length of course as a guide. Many of our learning programmes are tailored to the individual needs of each learner so each experience is unique.
Length of course*: 14 months
This qualification is designed to assist individuals employed in a classroom support role, working under the supervision of a class teacher, to develop the skills and knowledge needed to work with children and young people.
Length of course*: 17 months
The Level 3 Supporting Teaching and Learning qualification is designed for experienced learning support staff and builds upon the foundational skills established in the level 2 qualification. This will enhance their knowledge and skills, allowing them to take on more responsibility in the classroom at the discretion of the class teacher.
Length of course*: 18 months
This qualification is designed to improve and enhance the digital learning design skills of your teaching staff and assist them in developing effective and inclusive digital content resources. The course will develop your knowledge of new digital tools and teach you how to implement them within the classroom.
Length of course*: 17 months
This qualification is for experienced practitioners who provide guidance and support in a range of contexts as part of their job role. From careers advice, training and mentoring to mediation and management this qualification hosts a wide variety of units suitable for many job roles.
Length of course*: 18 months
This qualification is designed for those leading the work of a team, delivering project goals and objectives and managing the completion of a project within it’s given time frame. Those enrolled on this course will also have the opportunity to complete further qualifications in PRINCE2 and APMQ.
Length of course*: 24 months
This qualification is designed to develop an individual’s analytical and digital skills in line with the needs of their organisation. This course teaches key skills in data management, the principles of information governance and assurance and the effective use of data analysis tools.
Length of course*: 21 months
This course equips staff with the primary IT skills needed to support with managing the day-to-day operation of hardware and software and controlling risks within the workplace.
Length of course*: 15 months
This qualification is most suitable for those whose role involves administration as their primary work activity. The Level 3 Business Administration is a competency- based qualification and provides a professional qualification for those looking to receive recognition for their experience in administration.
Length of course*: 18 months
This course is a step up from the level 3 and is more suited to those who manage a team of people, a process or projects. This qualification is designed to develop and enhance an individual’s existing organisational and problem-solving skills to ensure they work efficiently and effectively in the workplace
Length of course*: 18 months
The level 2 award in Digital Skills for Business helps to improve the digital skills of your staff, boost the efficiency of your organisation and teach tips and tricks for the programs used on a day-to-day basis.
Length of course*: 21 months
The level 3 course is for those looking to build on their existing digital skills and develop a deeper understanding of professional computer programs.
Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)
Length of course*: 15 months
This qualification provides a solid understanding of both HR and learning and development practices, and is designed to support those working at an operational level. This course covers topics such as ethical practice, and promoting and ensuring professional values and development for staff.
Length of course*: 22 months
The Associate Diploma in Organisational L&D is designed to develop high performing professionals who understand best practice in L&D and to utilise this learning and development to effectively meet organisational needs.
Length of course*: 22 months
The Associate Diploma in People Management is designed to develop high-performing human resources professionals who understand how to use HR practices to meet the needs of an organisation.
Support Services
Length of course: 14 months
This qualification is designed to provide a greater understanding on topics ranging from managing waste, developing customer relationships, carrying out maintenance and minor repairs to cleaning in specialised areas.
Length of course: 18 months
This qualification is suitable for staff who manage a team of people working to maintain, repair, operate and provide support services to commercial or public buildings.
Childcare, Learning, Play and Development
Length of course*: 16 months
This qualification consists of 2 elements, the Core and the Practice and covers a range of topics such as Child Development, Learning and Play, Health and Safety and Safeguarding.
These courses are suitable for those working in EYFS settings.
Length of course*: 18 months
This qualification provides a comprehensive understanding of children’s care, learning, and development from birth to 19 years. It is suitable for those working in early years settings, children’s centres, nurseries, and other childcare environments.
These courses are suitable for those working in EYFS settings.
Length of course*: 12 months
This qualification is an entry-level qualification aimed at individuals working with children and young people in play settings. This qualification provides the foundational skills and knowledge needed to support and facilitate play in various environments.
These courses are suitable for primary educators.
Length of course*: 22 months
Playwork is a profession dedicated to facilitating and supporting children’s play in a variety of settings, ensuring that play is child-led and respects their choices and freedom. This qualification is for individuals working in a leadership role with children aged 5+.
These courses are suitable for primary educators.
Eligibility
Help and advice
At ACT we are committed to offering the best training opportunities in Wales. We want your pupils to make the right decision about their future and we have a team of experts on standby to make sure that happens. Working extremely closely with schools and sixth forms across South Wales, our dedicated ‘schools team’ supports teachers, educators and careers advisors in delivering the most useful and relevant information to students from Year 7 through to Year 13.
We aim to help local schools and sixth-form colleges give the very best information and advice to young people about their future prospects. Through a range of workshops, presentations, talks and bespoke sessions, our team can work closely with your staff, and give extremely helpful, impartial advice to all of your pupils who will be thinking about what to do when they leave school.
View our Activities & Events Guide here.
Our presentations give an engaging overview of ACT and the courses and opportunities we offer to post-16 pupils. Presentations can be tailored to specific year groups.
Suitable for Year: 10, 11, 12 and 13
Duration: Half hour
Delivery: Face-to-face, pre-recorded video and/or live Q&A via Microsoft Teams.
If your school is organising a career fair, we are happy to come to talk to your pupils about the opportunities offered by ACT. We can tailor our delivery to your individual needs. We can also bring along interactive ‘have a go’ equipment which showcases the routes we have on offer and allows pupils the opportunity to try out new skills through a range of fun and interactive activities.
Suitable for Year: All years
Duration: Full or half days
Delivery: Face-to-face
We run CV writing and interview preparation workshops, as well as supporting mock interviews, helping to prepare pupils for the world of work.
Suitable for Year: 10, 11, 12 and 13
Duration: Full or half days
Delivery: Face-to-face
Pupils will be given the opportunity to have a tour of their nearest delivery centre and its facilities. They can also take part in specific taster sessions where they will experience the different courses we have available. You can request a specific area of interest and we will try our best to meet your needs.
Suitable for Year: 10, 11 and 12
Duration: Half day
Delivery: Face-to-face