Latest news with #SamHolland
South Wales Argus
5 days ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Welsh learners to get a boost after partnership is announced
ACT has linked up with Virtus Tech as part if it's Jobs Growth Wales+ programme. Virtus Tech, which specialises in virtual reality solutions for training and education, creates immersive, scenario-based environments which echo real-world situations. Last year, ACT launched its Enrichment Curriculum for Jobs Growth Wales+ learners. As part of the curriculum, learners engage with Artificial Intelligence in multiple formats, for example using AI tools to generate customised mock interview questions and receive instant, tailored feedback on their answers. Sam Holland, curriculum development manager and digital learning specialist at ACT said, 'We are empowering young people to take control of their futures in a way that's relevant, engaging, and deeply impactful. 'The enrichment programme has led to a sizeable increase in attendance among JGW+ learners, with staff reporting significant improvements in structure, motivation, and learner engagement.' Leon Patnett, head of Jobs Growth Wales+, said: 'This enrichment work has been a game changer. It's giving learners the confidence and skills to actively shape their own paths.' George Bellwood, CEO of Virtus Tech, said: 'This collaboration reflects ACT's forward-thinking approach and commitment to innovation, setting a strong example for how emerging technologies can drive impactful skills development across Wales.'
Business News Wales
7 days ago
- Business
- Business News Wales
ACT Partners with Virtus Tech to Create Real-world Scenarios for Young Learners
ACT, Wales's largest training provider, has announced a new partnership with Cardiff-based Virtus Tech to enhance work-based learning opportunities for young people in its Jobs Growth Wales+ (JGW+) programme. Virtus Tech, a leader in virtual reality (VR) solutions for training and education, is known for creating immersive, scenario-based environments that simulate real-world situations. These virtual experiences offer learners the opportunity to practice skills, and explore challenges, preparing them for life and work beyond the classroom. The first scenario developed through this partnership features a purpose-built, in-house salon used daily by JGW+ learners, tutors, and apprentices for practical workshops. In this virtual experience, learners will conduct a full hair consultation, interacting with a simulated customer to explore different hairstyles and beauty treatments using 3D models, gaining valuable communication and technical skills. In August 2024, ACT launched its Enrichment Curriculum for Jobs Growth Wales+ learners, which focuses on challenge-based and contextualised learning in areas vital to the wellbeing and development of young people in Wales, including financial competency, health and wellbeing, personal development, and social empowerment. Each 10-week enrichment project includes four interactive classroom sessions, a guest speaker, and an offsite trip – all tailored around a central theme. Sessions focus on dynamic, learner-led experiences, as opposed to traditional classroom teaching methods. As part of the curriculum, learners engage with Artificial Intelligence (AI) in multiple formats. For instance, in the current Personal Development project, young people use AI tools to generate customised mock interview questions and receive instant, tailored feedback on their answers. They're also using Bodyswaps, a VR interview simulation platform where learners input their own CVs and job descriptions to receive immediate performance feedback, including on skills such as eye contact and posture. Sam Holland, Curriculum Development Manager and Digital Learning Specialist at ACT said: 'ACT Training is redefining how vocational and personal development skills are taught. By combining immersive technology with challenge-based learning, we're empowering young people to take control of their futures in a way that's relevant, engaging, and deeply impactful. 'So far, the results speak volumes. The enrichment programme has led to a sizeable increase in attendance among JGW+ learners, with staff reporting significant improvements in structure, motivation, and learner engagement. Many learners are also accessing careers advisory services more regularly as a direct result of their involvement in personal development projects.' Leon Patnett, Head of Jobs Growth Wales+, said: 'At the core of our JGW+ provision is the belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to grow, learn, and feel inspired. 'This enrichment work has been a game changer. It's giving learners the confidence and skills to actively shape their own paths.' George Bellwood, CEO of Virtus Tech, said: 'Virtus Tech are proud to be partnering with ACT Training, the largest training provider in Wales, to explore how XR solutions can enhance the delivery of work-based learning. 'This collaboration reflects ACT's forward-thinking approach and commitment to innovation, setting a strong example for how emerging technologies can drive impactful skills development across Wales.'
The Independent
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Independent
Bicester fire: ‘Multiple explosions' heard at former RAF airfield as black smoke fills sky
A major fire has erupted at the former RAF Bicester site in Oxfordshire, sending plumes of thick black smoke into the sky and prompting a large-scale emergency response. Witnesses at the scene reported hearing loud explosions and smoke bellowing from the site. Around ten fire and rescue crews are currently battling the blaze, working to contain the flames and prevent further damage. Local residents have been urged to stay indoors and keep their windows closed due to the heavy smoke. Emergency services were reached the scene just before 7pm on Thursday, with the council confirming that road closures and special measures remain in place at 6am on Friday morning. Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said: '10 fire and rescue crews are currently attending an ongoing serious incident at Bicester Motion from 18:39 this evening.' 'We would advise people to avoid the area, and for local residents to remain indoors and shut all windows until further notice.' A South Central Ambulance Service spokesperson said: 'We were called at 18.57 this evening to reports of a serious incident at Bicester Motion. 'We sent a robust command structure to support staff and are currently on scene as the incident is ongoing.' Local councillor Sam Holland said the blaze is at Bicester Motion, a historic motoring and aviation centre situated on the former airbase. It is home to more than 50 specialist businesses focused on classic car restoration and engineering. 'I saw it (the fire) from a distance,' Mr Holland told the PA news agency. 'There's lots of emergency vehicles. 'Bicester Motion were meeting there earlier. I had spoken to someone as they were leaving. 'I hope there is nobody hurt or worse.' Historic England claim the iconic airfield is 'the most complete and strongly representative example of an RAF airbase' in Britain. Bicester Motion said in a statement: 'Further to the incident, emergency services have been called and are attending on-site. 'We appreciate the concern from local residents and wish to communicate that the company is working with the emergency services. At their direction the site will be closed today and over the weekend. A further statement will be made as appropriate.' Oxfordshire County Council said the nearby Buckingham Road, Skimmingdish Lane, the A4421 and the A4095 were all closed until further notice, with likely 'delays and disruption to journeys in and around Bicester'. A social media user shared images of massive black plumes of smoke coming from the site – adding they had heard 'multiple explosions'. Kieran McGurk, a product director who lives opposite Bicester Motion – formerly known as Bicester Heritage – said he heard 'multiple bangs' and saw a plume of smoke while out walking. He told PA: 'As we walked home and got closer to the smoke it seemed to get blacker and we heard the sirens. 'Multiple fire engines and police cars went past us and as we got to the corner at the bottom of the road ash started to fall and you could see the sheer scale of what was happening. 'Loud bangs have been constantly going off and multiple helicopters are still circling the site.' The cause of the fire is not yet known.
Metro
16-05-2025
- General
- Metro
Explosions heard after fire tears through former RAF base
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Multiple helicopters circled a large fire at the site of a former RAF base in Oxfordshire yesterday evening, with witnesses reporting loud explosions and thick black smoke. More than ten fire and rescue crews tackled the blaze in Bicester, which prompted warnings for residents to stay indoors. Historic England claims the iconic airfield is 'the most complete and strongly representative example of an RAF airbase' in Britain. Kieran McGurk said he heard 'multiple bangs' and saw a plume of smoke while out walking. 'As we walked home and got closer to the smoke it seemed to get blacker and we heard the sirens,' he said. 'Multiple fire engines and police cars went past us and as we got to the corner at the bottom of the road ash started to fall and you could see the sheer scale of what was happening. 'Loud bangs have been constantly going off and multiple helicopters are still circling the site.' Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said: 'We would advise people to avoid the area, and for local residents to remain indoors and shut all windows until further notice.' A South Central Ambulance Service spokesperson said: 'We were called at 18.57 yesterday evening to reports of a serious incident at Bicester Motion. 'We sent a robust command structure to support staff and are currently on scene as the incident is ongoing.' Local councillor Sam Holland said the blaze is at Bicester Motion, a historic motoring and aviation centre situated on the former airbase. It is home to more than 50 specialist businesses focused on classic car restoration and engineering. 'I saw it (the fire) from a distance,' Mr Holland told the PA news agency. 'There's lots of emergency vehicles. More Trending 'Bicester Motion were meeting there earlier. I had spoken to someone as they were leaving. I hope there is nobody hurt or worse.' Bicester Motion said in a statement that the site would remain closed over the weekend. Nearby roads have also been affected. Buckingham Road, Skimmingdish Lane, the A4421 and the A4095 were all closed until further notice, with likely 'delays and disruption to journeys in and around Bicester'. The cause of the fire is not yet known. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Huge fire at block of flats in east London with woman and baby treated at scene MORE: Keir Starmer house fire: Man, 21, arrested over series of 'arson attacks' MORE: 'Extreme risk' of wildfires across Scotland as crews tackle 10-acre blaze
Hindustan Times
16-05-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Huge fire, ‘multiple explosions' heard near former Royal Air Force airfield
A large fire has broken out at the site of a former RAF base in Oxfordshire, with witnesses reporting loud explosions and thick black smoke billowing from the site. Some 10 fire and rescue crews are tackling the blaze in Bicester, which has prompted a major response and warnings for local residents to stay indoors. Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said: '10 fire and rescue crews are currently attending an ongoing serious incident at Bicester Motion from 18:39 this evening. 'We would advise people to avoid the area, and for local residents to remain indoors and shut all windows until further notice.' Also read: 'I was chained…': Indian researcher Badar Khan Suri recounts detention horror in US A South Central Ambulance Service spokesperson said: 'We were called at 18.57 this evening to reports of a serious incident at Bicester Motion. 'We sent a robust command structure to support staff and are currently on scene as the incident is ongoing.' Local councillor Sam Holland said the blaze is at Bicester Motion, a historic motoring and aviation centre situated on the former airbase. It is home to more than 50 specialist businesses focused on classic car restoration and engineering. Also read: What does 8647 mean? James Comey deletes controversial Instagram photo, says 'I oppose violence' 'I saw it (the fire) from a distance,' Mr Holland told the PA news agency. 'There's lots of emergency vehicles. 'Bicester Motion were meeting there earlier. I had spoken to someone as they were leaving. "I hope there is nobody hurt or worse.' Historic England claim the iconic airfield is 'the most complete and strongly representative example of an RAF airbase' in Britain. Bicester Motion said in a statement: 'Further to the incident, emergency services have been called and are attending on-site. 'We appreciate the concern from local residents and wish to communicate that the company is working with the emergency services. At their direction the site will be closed today and over the weekend. A further statement will be made as appropriate.' Oxfordshire County Council said the nearby Buckingham Road, Skimmingdish Lane, the A4421 and the A4095 were all closed until further notice, with likely 'delays and disruption to journeys in and around Bicester'. A social media user shared images of massive black plumes of smoke coming from the site – adding they had heard 'multiple explosions'. Kieran McGurk, a product director who lives opposite Bicester Motion – formerly known as Bicester Heritage – said he heard 'multiple bangs' and saw a plume of smoke while out walking. He told PA: 'As we walked home and got closer to the smoke it seemed to get blacker and we heard the sirens. 'Multiple fire engines and police cars went past us and as we got to the corner at the bottom of the road ash started to fall and you could see the sheer scale of what was happening. 'Loud bangs have been constantly going off and multiple helicopters are still circling the site.' The cause of the fire is not yet known.
