Together with Welsh Government, ColegauCymru was pleased to host an event celebrating the value of vocational education and training in Wales earlier today.
The Ynysfach campus saw learners past and present sharing details of their learning journey from BTEC through to degree apprenticeship. We also heard from employers Dŵr Cymru, Tenneco Walker and Bridewell who spoke of the value of investing in learners to ensure a continued stream of highly skilled workers into industry.
We further heard from Cyber College Cymru. Working together with employers, this is a programme that provides meaningful work experience opportunities and enables learners to prepare for a career in cyber security.
Today’s event took place to align with this week’s publication of an independently commissioned report, A Review of Vocational Qualifications in Wales. The review, led by former principal of Pembrokeshire College Sharron Lusher, makes 33 recommendations for Welsh Government and other organisations.
Speaking at the event, Sharron Lusher said,
“I have seen the difference that vocational education and training has made to the lives of so many people. I hope this review acts as a catalyst to raise the prominence of vocational qualifications in Wales and encourages everyone to consider vocational education when making decisions about their futures.”
ColegauCymru Chief Executive David Hagendyk added,
“We welcome today’s comprehensive report, and thank Sharron Lusher for chairing this review. The report rightly recognises several strengths of our qualifications system, and now is the opportunity to build on what we’ve learnt so far.
The report recommends a national strategy which is urgently needed. This will offer us an opportunity to clearly articulate Wales’ ambitions for what vocational education and training can deliver for Wales. Progress should be made here as a matter of urgency, so that we can identify the right priorities for the future, and the role of colleges in helping them to be achieved.
Several of the report’s recommendations look at addressing long-standing issues which have been highlighted in previous reports.
ColegauCymru and colleges across Wales are committed to working with Welsh Government and other stakeholders to ensure our vocational qualifications suit the needs of today’s and future generations. It is now time for meaningful action to deliver a solution needed by both learners and employers alike.”
Further Information
Welsh Government Cabinet Statement
Written Statement: Statement on the Vocational Qualifications Review for Wales
11 September 2023
Welsh Government Report
Review of vocational qualifications in Wales: report
11 September 2023
Lucy Hopkins, Communications Manager
Lucy.Hopkins@ColegauCymru.ac.uk
