Grow the economy by equipping industry and the workforce with the skills needed to meet the challenges of a changing economy that will be reshaped by the transition to net zero and the development of AI.
Around the world, industries are being reshaped by rapidly developing technologies and by the urgency of our response to the climate emergency. For Wales to be competitive, the next government must deliver a step change and invest and reform our skills system so that people of all ages can access opportunities where they live and so that businesses can access the talent and support they need to grow.
To deliver this mission the next Welsh Government, working with Medr, should:
- Develop a Vocational Education and Training Strategy (VET) aligned with Wales’ economic and industrial priorities. The strategy is critical to driving economic growth and to developing the green skills needed for today and for the future. The strategy should 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.
- Underpin the VET Strategy with the creation of a new Future Skills Authority. This will provide world-class labour market intelligence and insights so that government, regulators and providers can understand gaps in future skills and where investment is needed.
- Work with the FE Sector to accelerate the development of skills needed for the responsible and effective use of AI. With support, colleges can embed the technical and non-technical skills required for AI use into vocational programmes and to roll out the availability of AI skills in the community.
- Recommit to a new Apprenticeship Programme to maintain the momentum achieved over the course of the last two Senedd terms. The next Welsh Government should reverse cuts to the Apprenticeship Programme and re-commit to delivering a minimum of 125,000 high-quality all age apprenticeships over the term of the next Senedd. We need to power the next generation of new jobs in the private sector and to help rebuild key public services.
- Give colleges a central role in delivering the new, devolved employability programme. As non-profit organisations and anchor institutions in their local communities, colleges are well placed to deliver a new, social value driven service that can link up local education, skills and health support.
- Fund colleges to deliver a greater breadth of provision at Levels 4 and 5, including HNCs and HNDs, where there is direct local and regional economic need.
- Fund colleges to offer shorter bite-size, modular based courses to allow people to build their skills and qualifications over time, as well as re-skill. As part of this approach, colleges should be supported to work together on a national digital badge scheme to recognise the skills, prior learning, and competencies of learners.
A thriving skilled construction industry and tradespeople will be essential to meet net zero targets and deliver on green skills needed for the future.
The Medr data also shows a 12% reduction in apprenticeship starts in Health and Public Services, further exacerbating NHS workforce shortages.
Read more on our other missions:
| MISSION 2 | MISSION 3 |
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Improve participation, progression and outcomes in post-16 education by breaking down barriers, helping young people to make the right choices about their future and be ready for the world of work, and delivering high-quality teaching and learning. |
Tackle intergenerational inequality and poverty through adult education and access to second chance learning. |
MISSIONS UNDERPINNED BY FINANCIAL STABILITY
The three missions cannot be met without recognising the importance of addressing the financial pressures in the sector and the ensuring colleges have greater long term financial stability and operational flexibility to meet the needs of their communities.
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