In May 2025, Pembrokeshire College took an important step in developing international opportunities for learners with additional learning needs and disabilities, thanks to funding from Wales’ International Learning Exchange Programme, Taith.
The College’s successful Taith bid, submitted in 2024, included a staff preparatory visit followed by a learner mobility programme over 24 months. The project was designed to explore inclusive vocational skills development in Finland, with a particular focus on those learners participating in skills competitions.
As part of the first phase of the project, two members of staff from the College’s Life Skills Academy - including Curriculum Area Manager and trip lead, Chris Davies - travelled to Helsinki and Turku. The aim of the visit was to explore best practice in inclusive vocational education and to establish international partnerships with a view to future collaboration.
During the visit, staff formed a promising partnership with Live Vocational College in Helsinki, one of Finland’s leading providers of inclusive education. The trip also included VIP access to Taitaja 2025 in Turku - Finland’s national vocational skills competition - providing an insightful perspective into how inclusive skills are celebrated and embedded at a national level.
Speaking about the experience, Chris said,
“We were inspired by the inclusive ethos at Live College and by the scale and professionalism of Taitaja. It’s clear that there is a lot we can learn from each other, and we’re excited to take this partnership forward.”
ColegauCymru International Project Manager, Siân Holleran, added, 
“Funded international mobility programmes provided through Taith play a vital role in helping learners and staff across Wales become global citizens. These experiences open doors, broaden horizons, and contribute to the development of a strong workforce - and ultimately, a strong economy. It is particularly encouraging to see underrepresented groups, such as learners with additional needs, being supported to access these life-changing opportunities.”
The visit also aligns with recent insights shared in the ColegauCymru report on learnings from Finland, which explores how elements of the Finnish vocational education and training model could inform and strengthen Wales' own approach.
Looking Ahead
The project now moves into its second phase, with plans underway for a reciprocal visit: Pembrokeshire College will welcome staff from Live College to Wales later this year. Looking further ahead, the College is preparing to take a small group of learners to Finland in 2026 - a landmark visit that could see a Welsh team compete at Taitaja for the very first time.
This international activity also comes at a time of growing focus on skills excellence here in Wales. In November 2025, Wales will proudly host the WorldSkills UK National Finals, showcasing the very best of vocational talent from across the UK. Pembrokeshire College’s involvement in global skills competitions highlights the important role that international collaboration plays in preparing learners - including those with additional learning needs - to thrive on national and international platforms.
Further Information
A ColegauCymru Report
Strategies for Moving Freely: The Finnish Approach to Vocational Education and Training
October 2024
Inspiring Skills Excellence in Wales is a Welsh Government-funded programme that supports vocational learners to develop world-class skills through competitions, training, and international opportunities.
World Skills UK is the national centre for competition-based vocational training in the UK, empowering young people from all backgrounds through international benchmarking, professional development, and skills competitions to raise technical standards, boost employability, and drive economic growth.
Taith is the Welsh Government International Learning Exchange Programme.
ColegauCymru supporting ALN in Further Education.
Sian Holleran, ColegauCymru International Project Manager
Sian.Holleran@ColegauCymru.ac.uk
