Page 27 - Regional Employment & Skills Plan

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These proposals will present significant opportunities for the enhancement of relationships across the post compulsory education sector ‘This is an opportunity to shape a system where institutions of all types are encouraged to work together to meet learners’ needs, enabling progression and building strong links with business, so that skills gaps can be addressed.’30
The recommendations of the aforementioned Diamond Review placed a strong emphasis on supporting students ‘It is maintenance assistance that gives them the flexibility to manage their finances and, for some students, to overcome the financial challenges associated with a period of higher education study.’31
The WG also published its updated Apprenticeship policy through the publication of ‘Aligning the Apprenticeship model to the needs of the Welsh Economy’32. This document outlines the renewed focus on Apprenticeships and the need for these to greater match the requirements of industry. ‘We know that the jobs of tomorrow will require far higher levels of competence than in the past. To meet this challenge Apprenticeships will need to integrate more effectively into the wider education system and economic fabric of Wales.’33
The policy document also puts a greater emphasis on the need to ensure that Apprenticeships are viewed as a valuable route into a career. ‘Apprenticeship routes need to be a credible alternative to the academic route and young people need to be given the opportunity to experience the benefit that a vocational career pathway will bring.’34 This is important in supporting the wider aims of the WG including increasing employability and reducing poverty.
To support the area of employability the WG is developing the Employability Plan for Wales which is seeking to undertake a more holistic approach to employability. This includes the need ‘to reshape employability support for job-ready individuals, and those furthest from the labour market, to acquire the skills and experience to gain and maintain sustainable employment.’35 This approach intends to reduce the duplication of provision within the area of employability and to improve the experience of individuals across the employability spectrum.
2.16 Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015
The Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act is unique to Wales and requires public bodies to think about the long term impact of their decisions. The act puts in place seven wellbeing goals and public bodies are required to work towards all seven goals[1].
• A prosperous Wales,
• A resilient Wales,
• A healthier Wales,
• A more equal Wales,
• A Wales of cohesive communities,
• A Wales of vibrant culture and Welsh Language,
• A globally responsible Wales.
The goals are supported by five ways of working including long-term, integration, involvement, collaboration and prevention.
30 http://bit.ly/2niEaYM
31 http://gov.wales/docs/dcells/publications/160927-he-review-final-report-en.pdf 32 http://gov.wales/docs/dcells/publications/170206-app-policy-plan-en-v2.pdf
33 http://gov.wales/docs/dcells/publications/170206-app-policy-plan-en-v2.pdf
34 http://gov.wales/docs/dcells/publications/170206-app-policy-plan-en-v2.pdf
35 http://gov.wales/docs/strategies/160920-taking-wales-forward-en.pdf
[1] https://futuregenerations.wales/about-us/future-generations-act/
Regional Employment & Skills Plan South West & Mid Wales Policy Context