Contact: 01782 827 827
Email: info@acorntraining.co.uk
About Us
About Acorn Training We are proud to be a practitioner-led organisation that does well from doing good.
We are performance driven, with strong values, developed from within our organisation by our staff and stakeholders. We deliver Apprenticeships, Training, Employability Support and Youth and Justice Services with integrity, ownership and accountability.
We have strong roots in the local and wider communities that we serve; changing lives, inspiring individuals and their families to take responsibility for their path in life through person-centred, holistic support and learning and development.
Our Vision “Ensuring a safe and secure future for everyone to succeed in life and work”.
Our Founder – Gareth Saldanha-Fallows Gareth Saldanha-Fallows has worked within the skills and welfare to work industry since 1996, spending a number of years working within Further Education and welfare to work, delivering high profile regional contracts, such as Private Sector Led New Deal, Pathways to Work, The Work Programme, Community Work Placement and numerous Skills Funding Agency and DWP ESF contracts and Apprenticeships.
As a teenager, Gareth faced challenges because of his sexuality. Despite these obstacles, Gareth found safety and security within his LGBTQ+ community and further education, training as a secondary school teacher at Manchester Metropolitan University in 2001. In 2008, Gareth, from Stoke-on-Trent, founded Acorn Training, now a large apprenticeships, skills, justice and employability provider employing close to 100 staff nationally. Gareth felt it was important for Acorn Training to be a safe and inclusive space for all communities, thus creating inclusive opportunities and breaking down engagement and motivational barriers. Gareth is passionate about equality in all factors and uses his own experiences to be well placed to fully understand the journey of LGBTQ+ individuals whilst continuing to understand and help other communities.
Gareth holds a Masters Degree in Local Economic Regeneration from University and completed a MSc in Local Economic Regeneration. Gareth is currently undertaking a professional Doctorate in Education at the University of Birmingham.
What we champion
ENGAGEMENT: by providing information, advice and guidance through welcoming and friendly channels, developing social value and reducing isolation.
BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS: by supporting access to and raising awareness of statutory service providers about the challenges and issues faced by all individuals and communities.
HEALTH AND WELLBEING: by providing a robust wrap around services solution to address mental and physical health challenges, barriers associated with disability, sexual health promotion, drug and alcohol addiction and issues specific to the LGBTQ+ community, such as HIV, AIDS, chemsex and exploitation.
RAISING: aspirations, self-esteem and motivation through the support of providing positive role models and support.
DEVELOPING OPPORTUNITIES: for employment and positive progression towards further learning, higher apprenticeships and higher education. Ensuring our services are available for all individuals to access with equal opportunity.
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