Officially a Very Good
Company to Work For
Officially a Very Good
Company to Work For
Officially an Outstanding
Company to Work For
Officially an Outstanding
Company to Work For
Officially a World Class
Company to Work For
Officially a World Class
Company to Work For
Officially a Good
Company to Work For
Officially a Good
Company to Work For
ACT Training's founder left school at 15 with no qualifications yet now leads a company with more than 360 staff and income of about £32 million a year.
Andrew Cooksley wants to help learners avoid the multiple jobs and false starts he had before founding the Cardiff-based company in 1988. He and his team provide a wide range of training, including apprenticeships and adult employability courses.
ACT strove to maintain remote delivery for all learners during lockdown, and face-to-face learning and wellbeing support for the most vulnerable. Throughout the pandemic, ACT delivered an NHS induction programme for Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, helping hundreds of extra staff to join the fight against Covid-19.
The company's open communication style strengthened during the pandemic. The board of directors filmed a video in the summer, thanking employees for their commitment and resourcefulness. A virtual afternoon tea was held, with a delicious box of goodies delivered for each worker to enjoy.
As part of its efforts to give something back, ACT has launched an Environmental Champions scheme. Employees from across the business are assisting with the company's campaigns and championing the environment to their colleagues. Staff can now help raise money for charity by recycling crisp packets through the TerraCycle scheme.
This organisation is run on strong values / principles
ACT operates a senior management team job swap where, twice annually, members of the SMT spend a day in the life of other members of staff to get an insight into their roles and the barriers and challenges they face.
I am happy with the balance between my work and home life
The introduction of a four-and-a-half day working week during the national lockdown gave all staff dedicated weekly wellbeing time. The company increased its counselling budget and resources for staff and learners and invested in an online platform for virtual counselling sessions.
This organisation is keen to help people from disadvantaged backgrounds
ACT used its resources, with its chefs and catering teams, to set up a food bank to assist community groups that could not operate because of Covid-19. Staff volunteered to become delivery drivers to ensure pre-prepared food and helpful items such as toiletries reached households in need.
Companies offering a minimum of 26 days annual leave to all employees.
Companies offering private health insurance to all employees.
At least 40% of senior managers are women.
