Page 62 - Regional Employment & Skills Plan

60
Welsh Language
Analysis indicates that for the vast majority of employers engaged with the process the use of Welsh language is considered fairly or very important. The reason cited is to allow the services they provide to be offered to the client through their language of choice.
There are also instances where the use of Welsh is essential in providing care that is fit for purpose for the client; ‘It is also becoming more apparent that some (individuals living with dementia) revert to their first language and that is often Welsh which they may not have spoken at home since their youth.’
Some businesses do face challenges, however; ‘Our attitude towards Welsh Speaking is pro-active but we struggle to recruit Welsh Speakers. We are looking at an increased rate of pay to confirm that this is a recognised skill. Due to difficulties towards recruiting Welsh Speakers, we have had to adjust our Welsh Speaking Policy to reflect on the limitations that we currently face.’
Barriers to Training
The evidence suggests that those businesses providing training internally do not report any barriers to training. Conversely, those surveyed that rely on the use of external providers experience a number of barriers, namely funding and time. In addition, the essential skills requirements for some training activity was a barrier to some employers. The lack of specialist provision was cited as an issue, with this training being centred on dementia and end of life care. Furthermore, rurality was a further barrier with one business reporting that they had to travel 2 hours to access suitable training.
Skills Gaps
Clinical Staff/High level managers
Nurses
Skills Gaps
Software/BA skills
Engineers/Carpenters /Plumbers
Volunteers
ICT/Recording
Identified priorities
Infection Control
• Availability of nurses across both the public and private sector is an immediate priority area, action required on training, recruitment and retention.
• Preparing the social care workforce for registration in advance of full registration by 2020 including a package of support is a priority.
• Improving the image of Health and Social Care including the understanding of it as a worthwhile career, identification of progression routes including the promotion of Apprenticeships and preparation of individuals for management through ‘values based’ recruitment.
• Welsh language is important for delivering care within the region, need identified for increasing the levels of conversational Welsh language skills.
Regional Employment & Skills Plan South West & Mid Wales Sector Profiles