“We’re very pleased to see that our student numbers are increasing to pre-Covid levels after a lull in recruitment due to the pandemic. It’s really encouraging that people are eager to improve their future through committing to further and higher education studies.

"Many of our courses are at full capacity and even have a waiting list due to their high demand.”

That’s according to Grŵp Llandrillo Menai Chief Executive, Dafydd Evans, who sets out below which courses at college may help you to secure a prosperous role in the local area.

Some popular provisions include Hospitality and Catering, which has a fantastic catalogue of alumni - such as Masterchef Finalist Owen Vaughn, and Dylan Owens who is Head of Hospitality at Manchester City football club.

A Grŵp spokesperson said: “Another booming programme area within our colleges is the Construction and Built Environment, which comes as good news as the demand for skilled tradespeople and professionals is really very high, whilst the construction industry continues to grow in the region.

"Our core purpose at Grŵp Llandrillo Menai is to support the economy of North Wales by equipping local people with the skills and qualifications needed to ensure the competitiveness and success of the region."

The North Wales Regional Skills Partnership (RSP) - which Grŵp Llandrillo Menai is a board member of - has identified a number of skills required to meet the current and predicted demand of jobs in the region.

One of the top future skills needs noted by local employers is Engineering skills, with a wealth of employment opportunities expected to be created by energy and infrastructure projects being proposed for North Wales.

A brand new Engineering centre of excellence is currently under development at Coleg Llandrillo’s Rhyl campus, and will be operational from November. The new, three-floor 2,886m² facility will be packed with more than £2m worth of the latest highly specialised training equipment: from CAD computer design suites, through 3D prototyping machines, to computer-controlled, large industrial scale metal-cutting CNC machines.

Included within this exciting development will be a new ‘Institute for Renewable Energy Technology’, in partnership with RWE Renewables. A stand-out feature of the building will be a three-floor-high industrial scale wind turbine servicing and maintenance hall which will be utilised by RWE’s employees and apprentices.

Another skills area in high demand in our region is Information Technology.

Data analysts are required cross-sector, as well as cyber security engineers and other advanced digital roles. Learners at the colleges can progress onto Degree Apprenticeships in partnership with the NHS, in specialist subjects such as Cyber Security. This exciting offer allows students to take advantage of gaining an Higher Education qualification, whilst also embarking on their career in a paid role.

Health and care roles also urgently need filling in the region, ranging from childcare workers and occupational therapists, to roles within the healthcare service. 

Many Level 3 learners go on to gain employment within the NHS and progress onto a Higher Education qualification with us - such as the Healthcare Practice Higher Education programme. Others go on to University to study Nursing, Midwifery, and more.

Enrolment numbers have increased across the college group in comparison to recent years, however - spaces still remain on some courses which are vital to the success of the North Wales economy.

To get in touch with Grŵp Llandrillo Menai to discuss your options, visit https://www.gllm.ac.uk/.