The Skills Academy
The Skills Academy is part of JES Group, a family‑run engineering company in Port Talbot, founded in 1982.
The Academy teaches practical welding skills for real jobs. These include jobs in green energy and other growing industries.
NPT Council and UKSPF funding helped the Academy expand and support more learners.
Grants and funding
The Academy received support from UKSPF and Neath Port Talbot Council.
- £334,925 from the Skills Fund
- £42,864.48 from a Business Investment Grant
The funding helped the Academy grow and improve its training facilities.
Project features
The Skills Academy offers:
- a state‑of‑the‑art training centre for welding and fabrication
- expert, in‑person instruction from industry professionals
- hands‑on learning supported by digital, immersive and interactive technologies
- training aligned with future opportunities including:
- Net Zero
- The Circular Economy
- The Celtic Freeport
UKSPF funding increased the Academy’s welding bays from six to ten. The goal is to reach twenty.
Work is underway to achieve recognised training centre accreditation.
Making a difference
In June 2024, the Academy hosted SkillWeld, the national welding competition.
Seven competitors took part in the Wales and West of England heat.
The Skills Academy’s own Sam Gardner won first place in his event.
This achievement highlights:
- the Academy’s growing reputation
- the high standard of its training
- the impact of support from Neath Port Talbot Council and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund
