The Welsh Government is about to smash through its own 100,000 apprentice target to help drive a post-Covid skills-led recovery a Minister revealed today.
Ken Skates MS, Minister for the Economy, Transport and North Wales, speaking to delegates around the World at the WorldSkills UK International Skills Summit said that there was ‘huge endeavour’ to create opportunities for meaningful sustainable work.
“We need to bounce back, stronger, better – building an economy where everybody has an opportunity to secure sustainable and Fair Work with opportunities for everybody.”
“I am delighted to say that this month we will smash our target of having 100,000 apprentices.
He said that world-class skills were at the heart of the drive to counter Covid and that national and international competitions were driving up skills across the country.
“Having a skilled educated workforce will help Wales to attract high value innovative knowledge-based businesses to this country which is why we announced a £40m parent programme to support employee ability and skills provision with a particular focus on young people.”
“The stronger the skills base in Wales and elsewhere, the better the prospects of securing investment and a growing or indigenous business and so a skilled educated workforce will help Wales.”
He said that the nation’s competitiveness at national and international level had gone from strength to strength – with many competitors inspiring colleagues, furthering their education by taking up degree level apprenticeships and going on to start their own businesses.
The two-day virtual event, hosted by BBC Presenter Simon Lederman will also feature live discussions with Chair of the Education Committee, Robert Halfon MP, The Rt Hon Anne Milton (former Minister for Skills), Paul Joyce FE Director, Ofsted and Liz Pollard, Managing Director Shared Services UK, BAE Systems.
Commenting on Mr Skates’ remarks Dr Neil Bentley-Gockmann OBE, CEO of WorldSkills UK, selects and trains Team UK and is now cascading elite skills to thousands of young people across the country, said that Wales ‘gets it’ when it comes to skills.
He said: “There is a real understanding about how important competition is to driving up skills in Wales
“Our work is embedded in the Welsh Government’s thinking. We are working together to ensure that the Welsh government not just inspires and develops young people to world class standards but is really aligned with the nation’s needs for their economy.”
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