Hundreds of additional learning needs pupils discover career paths at Merthyr Tydfil event
Around 350 pupils with additional learning needs (ALN) from 24 secondary schools and special units across south Wales attended an interactive careers event at Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Centre.
Organised by Careers Wales, the “What Next? Choose Your Future” event brought together 24 local employers, training providers, and further education institutions to help pupils explore future career paths and opportunities.
During the event, pupils took part in a range of activities designed to broaden their understanding of the world of work. Attendees had the chance to:
- Take part in fun activities to explore various careers;
- Engage with employers to learn about different industries;
- Discover vocational courses offered by colleges and training providers;
- Receive advice and guidance from Careers Wales.
Rhian Thomas, a Careers Wales business engagement adviser, said: “Our careers events are crucial because they allow young people to explore their potential. Pupils can research their career ideas, connect with organisations, and learn about pathways that suit their abilities and aspirations.
“By offering inclusive careers guidance, we can help ensure that every pupil has the chance to build a brighter future.”
Eamonn Scullion, visitor centre and community benefits officer at Viridor, said: “Events such as What Next? are a vital avenue for young people with additional needs to communicate their skills, experience and enthusiasm to employers. We relish these opportunities to examine our offers and to make sure we are providing the right support for anyone looking to enter the engineering sector.”
Matthew Evans, business development officer for The Military Preparation College, added: “We believe in empowering young people, regardless of their learning needs. Our presence today highlights our dedication to helping all pupils.”
A teacher from Abertillery School said: “The event has been informative and interactive and has allowed our students to think about careers and independent living.”
The event featured a diverse range of employers and training providers. Pupils gained valuable insight into career pathways, developed their understanding of the skills employers are looking for, and learned about further education and training options.
Schools in attendance:
- Aberdare Community School
- Abertillery Learning Community – Secondary CNRB.
- Afon Taf High School
- Cardinal Newman School
- Cwmbran High School
- Cyfarthfa High School
- Greenfield School and Maes Glas outreach
- Headlands School
- HIT Education Ltd
- Islwyn High SRB
- Maes Ebbw Bach
- Mountain Ash Comprehensive
- Park Lane Special School
- Pen-y-Cwm Special School
- Porth Community School
- Risca Community Comprehensive School
- St Cenydd School
- Talocher School
- Tonyrefail Community School
- Trinity Fields School and Resource Centre
- Whitchurch High School (Ty Calon ALN Base)
- Whitmore High School
- Woodlands School
- Ysgol Bryn Derw
- Ysgol Hen Felin
- Ysgol Ty Coch
- Ysgol Y Deri
The full list of employers in attendance at the event:
- ACT
- Aspire, Merthyr Tydfil
- British Transport Police
- Cardiff and Vale College
- Coleg Gwent
- Coleg Y Cymoedd
- Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board
- Evans Electrical Ltd., Cardiff
- Future Valleys Construction
- Inspire 2 Achieve, Merthyr Tydfil CBC
- ITEC Skills
- Korbuild
- People Plus, Pontypridd
- Screen Alliance Wales
- Sense Cymru, Caerphilly
- St John Ambulance, Cymru
- The College Merthyr Tydfil
- The Military Preparation College, Merthyr Tydfil
- Tilbury Douglas Construction Ltd., Merthyr Tydfil
- Tydfil Training Consortium Ltd.
- Viridor Energy Recovery Facilities (ERF)
- WeCare Wales, Cwm Taf Morgannwg
- Whitehead-Ross Education & Consulting
- Willmott Dixon Construction Ltd., Cardiff
For more information about future career events and resources, please visit the Careers Wales website.
