Today, the Senedd’s Children, Young People and Education Committee has published a series of recommendations to build upon the successes of the post-16 sector so far, and work to raise ambition for our young people and deliver the tertiary education and training system they deserve.
ColegauCymru continues to call for a national Vocational Education Strategy to link vocational education and training to Wales’ economic and industrial priorities. A national strategy would provide a guiding framework for Qualifications Wales, awarding bodies and providers, and would ensure that there is a clear line of democratic accountability within the system. This strategy should articulate Wales’ philosophy for vocational education and training, including the importance of appropriate assessment, moving towards a focus on progression into work, ensure a strong voice for learners and employers, and allow colleges to meet local and regional priorities. Across all levels, pathways need to support learners and their progression, and the routes should not necessarily be driven by qualifications.
The Committee rightly recognises the shortcomings of the advice and guidance currently offered in Wales. We continue to urge that swift progress be made to improve access for 14-19 learners to independent advice and guidance - so young people can make the right choices the first time around. Alongside this colleges must be allowed access to schools to offer in-person advice and information to all learners so that they can understand their options and make informed choices.
ColegauCymru Chief Executive, David Hagendyk, said,
"There is plenty in the report that colleges will welcome and in particular it is good to see the Committee make such positive recommendations about increasing vocational pathways for 14-16 year olds as well as the importance of independent advice and guidance. We know so many young people are desperate for a wider range of options at an earlier stage in their education and the next Welsh Government has a real opportunity to give young people the education they deserve by creating a new 14-19 Learning and Progression Pathway.
It is essential that we recognise the importance of pre-16 education, specifically improving opportunities for collaboration between colleges and schools, supporting the transition into post-16 and in offering vocational programmes of study between 14-16. School absenteeism, particularly among young people aged 14-16, has increased post pandemic, and 14-16 pathways and schemes, for example the Junior Apprenticeship programme, provide vocational education opportunities to learners who have been identified by schools as being at risk of becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training).
We welcome the Committee’s recognition that the post-16 sector needs greater strategic direction, but we are concerned that the recommendation of an overarching strategy will dilute the focus on the urgent changes needed in vocational education and training. If the government accepts the recommendation for a broader post-16 strategy then vocational education and training cannot become and after thought."
Further Information
Routes into post-16 education and training
ColegauCymru Manifesto for the Senedd 2026 election
Growth, Opportunity and Fairness
October 2025
Amy Williams, Policy Officer
Amy.Williams@ColegauCymru.ac.uk
