Written statement (Wales): Update on Vocational Education and Training - June 26

Vikki Howells MS, Minister for Further and Higher Education: I wrote separately to the Economy Trade and Rural Affairs Committee and the Children and Young People and Education Committee in April and May respectively setting out a proposed timeline for implementing the interdependent recommendations of both the Review of Vocational Qualifications by Sharron Lusher MBE DL and the Report on Transitions to Employment by Dr Hefin David MS.  This includes specifically co-producing a draft Vocational Education and Training (VET) Strategy, in the context of the wider Tertiary education agenda.

Our objective is to support the wider participation agenda by creating clearer and more accessible pathways for all learners. We will also ensure that vocational education and training is closely aligned with the broader skills agenda, responding to employer needs and contributing to the delivery of green jobs. This approach will also underpin the delivery of our Programme for Government commitments to:

• reform qualifications and expand the range of made for Wales vocational qualifications; and,
• promote parity of esteem between vocational and academic routes in Welsh education.

A new Ministerial Board for Vocational Education and Training will bring together the Cabinet Secretary for Education, the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership and myself to consider strategic and cross-cutting issues, including the development of a VET Strategy. 

Working with key stakeholders, the Welsh Government has identified the following five broad interdependent delivery strands to strengthen the provision of vocational education and training in Wales. 

These delivery strands will sit within our overarching agenda to develop a VET Strategy and provide a refined, coherent, and accessible framework for this complex body of work, whilst ensuring we respond to the recommendations outlined in the two reports. 

Future (Strategic Planning & Future Demand) 

Outlining the importance of aligning vocational education with the broader tertiary and skills agendas to meet future occupational and economic needs in Wales. By defining future skills requirements and ensuring alignment between sector reviews and apprenticeship frameworks, the education system can remain responsive to industry demands. This strategic coordination aims to create a dynamic, future-ready workforce that drives national prosperity.

Sustainability (Labour Market Alignment & Risk Assessment) 

Supporting the need for a sustainable vocational education system that aligns with labour market trends. This will identify and mitigate risks to vocational standards, expanding work placement opportunities, and ensuring that the training workforce possesses industry expertise. This approach aims to maintain the quality and relevance of education, providing learners with practical experience and strengthening the connection between education and employment.

Opportunity (Learner Progression & Equity) 

Underpinning the importance of creating an accessible vocational education system that supports clear progression pathways and prioritises learner wellbeing. This will consider the need for equity of opportunities, impartial advice for informed decision-making, and innovative curriculum delivery, especially in areas with limited choices. The integration of literacy, numeracy, and digital skills is essential for enabling learners to fully engage in education, employment, and lifelong learning.

Strengthen (Awareness, Recognition, Qualification Availability, Pathways & Progression)

Promoting "Made for Wales" vocational education programs, ensuring they meet local industry needs. This will set out the importance of exploring recognition of prior learning to enhance credibility, strengthening Welsh language provision, refining qualification terminology for clarity, and improving data accessibility to support informed decision-making and continuous improvement.

Innovation (Collaboration & Continuous Improvement)

Improving the partnerships between education providers and employers to ensure learners gain relevant, real-world skills. There is a need for regional collaboration to share best practices and address local workforce needs effectively. Refining sector review processes keeps education aligned with industry demands, while supporting bilingual provision enhances accessibility. Investing in qualifications development ensures that credentials remain credible, adaptable, and reflective of evolving professional standards.

My officials have established a VET Stakeholder Reference Group, including representatives from Medr, Qualifications Wales, Colegau Cymru, Careers Wales and Estyn, to collectively consider each of these delivery strands. They will work towards the development of a draft VET Strategy, provisionally scheduled for April 2026. Officials will also continue to have wider conversations with individual stakeholders and across Welsh Government.

This work will take place in parallel to our work to improve 16- to 19 education more broadly, building on the opportunities provided by the establishment of Medr.  This will include the development of statutory guidance for Medr on local curricula for 16- to 19-year-olds.