A Welsh college has closed its England-based training provider amid investigations about the way assessments were carried out.
Cardiff and Vale College (CAVC) shut Element Skills Training, which regulator City and Guilds confirmed it is now investigating.
As part of the closure all qualifications carried out through Somerset-based Element are now being reviewed, CAVC said. It is understood this runs into more than 1,000 qualifications.
The company, funded by the college and incorporated in 2016, provided apprenticeships , functional skills, diplomas and NVQs.
Confirming the closure, CAVC said in a statement: “As part of the closure of EST we are reviewing all qualifications, ensuring all learners remaining are successfully transferred and all qualifications are completed.”
CAVC officials refused to say how many learners have been affected, what redress they may have, or whether any have taken action. Details on how much money was spent on the venture and also how many staff have lost their jobs have also not been disclosed either.
However, a spokeswoman for regulator City and Guilds said: “While monitoring Element Skills Training, concerns were raised regarding the provider’s assessment processes.
“As we treat any incident that could have an impact on learners very seriously, City & Guilds is undertaking an investigation. This remains ongoing and as a result we will not be making any further comment at this time.”
No extra steps are being taken to review other qualifications run by the college as a result of the closure and ongoing investigation of Element, CAVC said.
“The college already has a robust quality policies and procedures in place. As part of normal internal practices regular audits of all activity are undertaken, including investigating any discrepancies in line with awarding and funding body requirements.”
On its website Element describes itself as “a professional training provider” offering tailored training programmes businesses.
It goes on to say: “All of our courses are accredited by an awarding body, are delivered by highly qualified and experienced trainers and assessors and follow rigorous quality procedures.
“This is underpinned by Element Skills Training being a dedicated training company of Cardiff and Vale College – a large, innovative college with a reputation for quality.”
The company is still listed as active on the Companies House online registry - which shows its address as Cardiff And Vale College’s Dumballs Road site.
A spokesman for the college said: “The college made the strategic decision to close Element Skills Training to focus on other provision.
“This is an ongoing process involving working with staff who may be affected. Our main focus is to ensure the small number of learners who have not yet completed their qualification are able to do so.”
One company which had worked with Element confirmed it would be raising the matter with CAVC.
A spokesperson for Wales & West Utilities said: “We are confident that there is no impact on Wales & West Utilities.
"Element Skills Training provided some basic English and maths training for a small number of apprentices to support their development. The qualifications they gained are not in question.
"This is not related in any way to our essential gas engineering training. At no time were Element Skills Training involved in the certification of our apprenticeships or any other gas engineering qualifications or accreditations.
"We have a very robust internal process in place to make sure all gas engineers have the skills they need to serve our customers to the highest standards.”
Last week, Gower College - was banned from recruiting English students after the apprenticeship programme it launched there was criticised by England’s school standards watchdog, Ofsted.
