Page 53 - Regional Employment & Skills Plan

The education sector within the region forms a significant part of the foundational economy and ranges from primary level through to further and higher education. The sector has a critical role in supporting the supply of skilled individuals into the labour market therefore there is a requirement to ensure that there is an appropriately skilled supply of individuals into the sector.
The Regional Learning & Skills Partnership along with the regional education consortia ERW undertook a detailed study into the future recruitment demands of the sector. This identified a number of recommendations including ‘strengthening CPD practices, collaboration, career pathways for future leaders, teachers as leaders, leadership, Welsh language skills and special education needs skills. Also noted is the need to prepare for the ever evolving changes in curriculum and digital skills.’102
The following specific skills were identified within the education sector:103
• Welsh language
• Digital literacy
• Special Educational Needs
• Secondary level
• STEM subject
• Leadership and management
Employers Voice104 Significant Challenges
• Funding and improving the skills of young people
Recruitment Difficulties
• Recruitment difficulties in some vocational areas where vocational skills are high but teaching skills are poor
Drivers of Change
• Cuts to public services
• Improving skills and standards
Barriers to Training
• Very little teaching staff development in Wales. Much of the development is provided internally.
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4.4 Education
102 http://www.rlp.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Workforce-Analysis-for-Schools-in-ERW.pdf 103 Workforce Analysis for Schools in ERW, 2015
104 RLSP Large Company Survey & electronic survey (April- June 2016)
Regional Employment & Skills Plan South West & Mid Wales Foundational Economy