Welsh Government
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£3 million to fund specialist skills provision in Wales
Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, Julie James, has announced how almost £3 million will be spent on training programmes in Wales. This follows last week’s announcement by the Finance Minister, Jane Hutt, of a funding increase of £8.4m for education and skills during 2015-16.
The Welsh Government’s new Flexible Skills Programme will receive £2.4 million to support the skills and employment needs of companies that play a strategic role in the economy. Funding will be available where it cannot be granted through existing programmes or where it is judged that Welsh Government intervention will benefit the Welsh economy.
It is estimated that 60 companies will receive funding, and benefit 3,200 individuals.
Companies will be expected to demonstrate a plan and commitment to create job opportunities in Wales and demonstrate a need for, and wider economic benefits of, Welsh Government support.
The Deputy Minister said:
“The allocation of these funds is another illustration of the Welsh Government’s commitment to supporting the economy.
“This funding will support our ongoing work with employers looking to develop their presence in Wales, companies who play an integral part of our economic landscape and those that operate in our priority sectors.“
The budget will be available to support applications for delivery of training during the financial year 2015/16. Eligible applications will be assessed against criteria by a cross departmental panel prior to Ministerial approval being sought for funding.
The Deputy Minister has also announced an £0.5 million will be spent to support apprenticeships in the care sector. With match funding from the Minister for Health and Social Services, Mark Drakeford, this will allow around 700 people to take up apprenticeships in this sector.
The Deputy Minister commented:
“The Welsh Government seeks to achieve gender equality through its spending programmes and this investment in social care apprenticeships, in a sector which is a major employer of women, is an example of putting that policy into action.”
Funding will be prioritised to those learners who are aged 25 and over and undertaking a level three apprenticeship.
