New Directions opens doors in Merthyr
New Directions Education has moved into the Orbit Business Park to support schools and colleges across Merthyr. Howard Burge, National Director for the organisation said of the decision “our team has been part of the schools and college community in Merthyr for many years. We have worked from our bases in Cardiff and Blaenau Gwent to service the area historically. Now is the time for us to commit to the region and put down some roots”.
Merthyr Tydfil is home to some 22 primary schools, one nursery, four comprehensive schools, one additional learning needs school and a further education college. Burge continues “the region is one steeped in ambition. The College Merthyr Tydfil in the region was shortlisted as ‘FE College of the Year’ at the Times Education Supplement (TES) Awards in 2016 and I know more schools across the area are striving for recognition for their excellent work”.
On May 24th 2017 New Directions Education hosted their official office opening. The event was attended by over 50 delegates including local community figure heads and Maureen Harris, President of the Association of Schools and Colleges (ASCL) who offered welcoming comments to the business “we have a hugely positive relationship with New Directions and we look forward to building more personal relationships with the staff at the Orbit base. New Directions have demonstrated a commitment to the community and their own values with their introduction of Safeguarding training for all staff and a dedication to quality which the Merthyr education community welcomes”.
In 2016 New Directions filled over 500 supply assignments in the region. As the ‘Managed Service Provider’ to the region, appointed by the National Procurement Service under guidance from the Welsh Government, the organisation has saved schools and colleges across Merthyr Tydfil in excess of £370k in supply cost savings.
Gary Williams, Director of Business Development for New Directions commented “with budgets needing to be stretched more than ever; we are delighted to be able to pass on some real cost savings to the 29 schools across Merthyr. Our team has been recognised as a Gold Status Investors in People (IIP) organisation, and the way in which we operate with our key stakeholders reflects this achievement. Our investment in this community heralds an important message to the region – we are here to be part of your fabric and we are committed to development for Merthyr”.
Kelly Storer, Regional Manager for the recruitment team added “this office is a great resource for people local to the area. We want to reach out to staff interested in working within the education sector in Merthyr Tydfil – additionally we can also support individuals who have no formal qualifications related to the sector in finding work too”.
The New Directions team have been working to support Merthyr-based school girl ‘Mia, Rainbow Princess Warrior’ in her plight to raise funds to have treatment for her aggressive form of cancer in America. The office opening invited attendees to donate to their pocket change to a pot to be added to monies raised by the team in recent weeks.
