The 157 Group of colleges has recruited its 27th member, with Cardiff and Vale College the first provider to join up following the organisation’s strategic review.

Earlier this month, the 157 Group’s new chief executive, Ian Pretty (pictured), told TES that following its strategic review, the organisation would be looking to take on new members.

The newest recruit means that the organisation now has two Welsh members, the other being Coleg Cambria, which joined in 2013. In total, it now has seven colleges spread across three of the four capitals of the home nations.

“We are pleased to welcome Cardiff and Vale College as the newest member of the 157 Group,” Mr Pretty said. “The 157 Group is a growing, vibrant organisation and we are ready to help deliver what government and employers need from the sector. I am delighted that we are getting a dynamic, entrepreneurial college like Cardiff and Vale as a new member and I look forward to working with them.”

Mike James, principal of Cardiff and Vale College, said: “The 157 Group is a forward thinking organisation whose priorities are closely aligned to ours. I have no doubt that working with the 157 Group and other member colleges will support us in shaping future skills needs to ensure the long-term economic capacity of the Welsh and UK economy.

“Cardiff and Vale College is excited about the prospect of contributing to the vital work of the 157 Group - working with a wide range of stakeholders in the development of sustainable professional and technical skills not just in Wales but across the sector; and of bringing examples of good practice back to our colleagues at other colleges in Wales and at Colegau Cymru to help influence and shape policy here in Wales.”

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