THE FINANCE and Government Business Minister, Jane Hutt has announced that the University of Wales Trinity Saint David is to receive £2.4m of EU funds to develop the skills of employees across South West Wales through the University’s Wales Institute for Work-Based Learning.
The University’s Growing Workforces through Learning and Development (GWLAD) project will deliver accredited work-based learning programmes to support the ongoing professional development of over 550 employees from over 100 businesses in the region. Employees will have the opportunity to improve their skills and productivity in a range of business areas and achieve higher education qualifications in professional practice.
The project will also work with businesses to up-skill their staff and to introduce strategies that will be developed through specific learning programmes. Professor Medwin Hughes, Vice Chancellor of the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, said: “This is a very exciting project that will enable the University to make a real difference to the workforce across South West Wales, by offering tailored work-based courses that meet the needs of the region’s employers. “The EU funding invested in the University will allow us to work with a range of industries, adding value to businesses by developing flexible, responsive, accredited higher education programmes that will improve skill levels, grow the knowledge economy and increase productivity levels throughout the area.”
Finance Minister, Jane Hutt, said: “Around £350 million of EU funds are being invested in Wales over the next five years to raise skills and drive productivity in workplaces, enabling more people to progress in their careers and achieve higher earnings. “This new EU investment will boost the prospects of hundreds of people working in South West Wales, and is excellent news for the region’s business community and another positive example of the benefits of UK membership of the European Union.” The project has already received support from a range of businesses in the region, including Carmarthenshire-based food wholesaler, Castell Howell.
Mike Davies, HR Director at the company added: “Castell Howell is delighted to continue our relationship with the University of Wales Trinity Saint David and we look forward to participating in this new project. “We have already seen significant benefits to staff development and business improvements from previous EU funded training programmes. This new project will allow our staff to develop essential skills to assist in their personal development and will no doubt have significant overall benefits for the company.” The three-year project is worth £3.7m, and includes £2.4m of EU funds, a contribution of over £500,000 from the private sector and part funding through the University.
Businesses in Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, Swansea, Neath Port Talbot can register to take part in the Growing Workforces through Learning and Development (GWLAD) project by contacting Dylan Williams-Evans at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David on 01267 676811or dylan. [email protected]
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