FOR the first time in Gwent, and Wales, a £110 million project to upgrade the Heads of the Valleys Road has been awarded National Skills Academy for Construction project (NSAfC) status.

The NSAfC is a unique training model for the industry and is given for bringing vital employment and skills to an area.

The project, which is being managed by Carillion, was awarded NSAfC status because it supported the delivery of training needs during the 7.8km upgrade of the existing Heads of the Valleys road in Blaenau Gwent.

It has been identified by the Welsh Government, Blaenau Gwent Council and CITB as a key opportunity to provide added value training and employment to the area, which has suffered from a low level of skills and high unemployment.

A spokeswoman said: “The first of its kind in Wales, the NSAfC project supports the regeneration of the Heads of the Valleys through direct employment, enhanced by structured education and training, as well as secondary employment and development opportunities through subcontracting to local businesses.

“Engagement with local schools also supports the curriculum and helps to promote the construction industry to young people.”

Martin Gallimore, Project Skills Co-ordinator for Carillion, added: “We’re really pleased to be involved with the first National Skills Academy for Construction (NSAfC) in Wales, as it gives us the opportunity to provide training opportunities to workers at all levels including working with young people in the local area and showing them the career opportunities that lie in the construction industry.”