The Welsh Deputy Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education, , has set out his plans to
build a coherent, accessible, and excellent lifelong learning
system.
Speaking in the Senedd, the Deputy Minister confirmed that a
comprehensive national skills audit is underway to map current
and future workforce needs across Wales, identify shortages and
inform investment decisions. Early findings from the audit will
feed into a Future Skills Summit this autumn, bringing together
business, the tertiary sector and training providers.
A new national strategy is also being developed, drawing on the
Summit and audit, to support learners in a changing labour market
and promote both vocational and academic pathways.
Recognising the pressures facing further education colleges and
school sixth forms, the Deputy Minister committed to working
closely with the sector to address challenges and encourage
greater collaboration.
A review of higher education will also be launched, with more
details to be published before the end of August.
The Deputy Minister also committed to maximising opportunities
for young people in Wales to study and work in Europe, including
through rejoining Erasmus+.
Options are also being examined to reform the Seren network to
better address participation gaps and support learners from the
most disadvantaged communities.
Expanding Welsh-medium and bilingual provision across the
tertiary system is a core priority, including apprenticeships and
workplace bilingual capability.
The Deputy Minister said:
Every learner deserves the chance to succeed, whatever path they
choose. Our review of higher education funding will help make
sure our universities can continue to offer world-class
opportunities for Welsh learners. And by listening to businesses,
colleges and training providers, we can build a skills system
that truly works for people and communities across Wales. By
working together, we can build a lifelong learning system that
works for everyone.
