Interactive careers events to help bridge skills gap in Wales

Posted on by karen.smith

Ken Skates AM and Alex Mills plaster moulding with Jordan Byrne from NPTC

The Welsh Government has today (Tuesday 10 June 2014) announced it will be helping to bring two flagship interactive skills and careers events to Wales this year.

Latest research from the UK Commission’s Employer Skills Survey show that whilst there has been a 14 per cent increase in job vacancies in Wales over the past two years, skills shortages remain a key issue for employers in Wales and the rest of the UK.

As part of an ongoing programme of Welsh Government activities designed to inspire Welsh young people and adults about the variety of vocational routes available to them, Skills Cymru 2014 will be held over four days at two venues – Venue Cymru in Llandudno on 8-9 October and Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena on 22-23 October – giving over 10,000 people the opportunity to find out how to gain new skills and train for the future. These events will be part funded by the European Social Fund.

Ken Skates, the Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, made the announcement at an official launch event held this morning at Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena.

“I am thrilled to announce that we will be helping to bring SkillsCymru to Wales. These exciting events will allow thousands of people to learn more about a whole host of careers – from the armed forces to the health service, from IT to the media, from finance to manufacturing – and find out what skills and training they need to get into their chosen field.

“I would encourage as many employers as possible to get behind SkillsCymru. By supporting the event, they can be assured that they will be making a real investment into the future of their workforce – attracting the talent they need for their organisation’s future.

“The Welsh Government is committed to doing all it can to enhance our nation’s skills by giving as many people as possible access to first-class vocational training and by ensuring they know about all the fantastic learning and skills opportunities that currently exist here in Wales.

“By continuing to put on events like this, investing in our flagship programmes such as Apprenticeships and Jobs Growth Wales, and pushing forwards with our Skills Implementation Plan for Wales, we are confident that we can go a long way towards closing the skills gap.”

Over 25 organisations have already signed up to be a part of SkillsCymru 2014, including NHS Wales, the Royal Air Force, Navy and Marines, McDonalds, Welsh Government (Food and Drink), the ESTnet and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service. They will all be offering the chance for visitors to try their hand at a new skill, get first-hand expert careers advice and explore fresh approaches to education, work, learning, skills and careers.

SkillsCymru last took place in 2010 at the Millennium Stadium. Over 20,000 visitors attended, from school children and school leavers to university students and adults looking for a career change, and met with 150 exhibitors and organisations. This year’s events are being organised by Prospects and Cazbah, and supported by the Welsh Government and Careers Wales.

Also speaking at this morning’s launch were Ian Menzies, managing director of General Dynamics, Sandra Busby, managing director of the Welsh Contact Centre Forum, and Arwyn Watkins, managing director at Cambrian Training and chief executive officer at National Training Federation for Wales.

Arwyn Watkins, whose company Cambrian Training also exhibited at SkillsCymru in 2010, said:
“These events are an excellent opportunity for any business to promote their commitment to recruiting and developing high calibre school leavers. By attending the SkillsCymru event in 2010, we were able to demonstrate to the young people and schools the level of talent and skill that is required to secure employment with different companies in a range of sectors.

“I would encourage any business planning to exhibit at SkillsCymru to partner up with their existing apprenticeship provider to provide a truly hands-on experience at the event. That way, the youngsters and the schools who attend will get a real understanding of the huge range of exciting skills and career opportunities that exist here in Wales.”

For further information on SkillsCymru 2014, visit www.skillscymru.co.uk. Schools, colleges and other community groups from across Wales who would like to visit the events can get in touch with the SkillsCymru team on 01823 362800 or email georga.blair@prospects.co.uk. Any organisations wishing to exhibit can contact Gabrielle.McEvans@Prospects.co.uk or 01823 362811 .

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