Latest news with #Medr
Business News Wales
05-08-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
More Than 1,000 Tata Steel Employees Supported Through Public Skills Funding
More than 1,000 employees who faced uncertain futures as a result of Tata Steel UK's decision to cease blast furnace steel production at Port Talbot have been supported to develop new skills through an innovative programme of local learning. Funded initially by Welsh Government and since August 2024 by Medr, the new body responsible for funding and regulating the tertiary sector in Wales – the Personal Learning Account (PLA) scheme has seen significant uptake, in many cases quickly equipping learners with the skills for alternative employment. Over the last academic year alone, the Tata Steel intervention PLAs have supported more than 800 Tata workers to undertake 995 PLA courses, with a further 215 learners undertaking well over 300 courses supported over recent months. Ben, a 40 year old father of two teenagers had been working at Tata for 24 years, and is one of the former employees to benefit from a PLA. After identifying and completing multiple courses with the NPTC Group of Colleges, he has now found alternative employment. Ben said: 'I picked the courses I did because they best suited me as a way of building on and reinforcing my experiences and Tata based training, which is not always officially accredited to external bodies. Having had limited success in the job market for the roles I was interested in, it's been a real eye-opener to see the impact the accreditations I've obtained have had. 'I've since had interest from multiple roles and companies and I've recently accepted a job on a major UK energy project not far from Port Talbot. I'm really enjoying it.' Simon Pirotte, Chief Executive of Medr, said: 'Clearly, recent events in Port Talbot have required many employees and supply chain businesses to look afresh at their futures. 'What we, and Welsh Government before us, have managed to do by targeting funding to meet the specific needs of those able to access it, is to work with our colleges, training providers and local businesses to not only provide many with the optimism of alternative employment but in many cases deliver the skills which have helped deliver just that. 'I'm delighted to confirm that following its successes – this ringfenced intervention will continue into 2025/2026.' Welsh Government Minister for Further and Higher Education Vikki Howells said: 'We made a commitment to the entire community in Port Talbot that they would not be left behind as a result of Tata Steel's decision to quickly change operations at the steelworks and these bespoke Personal Learning Accounts are an excellent example of how we, working with Medr and partners, are providing impactful interventions to re-skill and support people into alternative local employment. 'I'm very pleased to see Medr continue this intervention into 2026 and would encourage anyone eligible who has not yet accessed it to consider how it might be beneficial to them.' The Personal Learning Account programme aims to help individuals to upskill or reskill in priority sectors, particularly those earning below the median gross annual figure for full-time adults working in Wales. By focusing on national priority sectors, the programme aims to enhance participants' career and earnings potential. The Tata Steel PLA removes some of the earning access requirements in order to make the support more tailored for the different needs of the workforce. Individuals can apply either directly to the colleges or through Working Wales. All institutions will ensure they have a process in place to support Personal Learning Account applications, undertake the initial assessment and process enrolment.
Business News Wales
24-06-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Senedd Election Candidates Challenged to Double Apprenticeship Funding
An organisation representing training providers across Wales is calling on all political parties and 2026 Senedd election candidates to commit to doubling investment in apprenticeships to support 200,000 apprentices over the next Senedd term. The National Training Federation for Wales (NTFW) 'Manifesto for Apprenticeships: Building a Skills First Economy for Wales' seeks to 'build a Wales that thrives on skills, opportunity and ambition for everyone'. According to the Centre for Economics and Business Research, doubling the investment in apprenticeships over the next Senedd term could generate an extra £3.4 billion in additional lifetime earnings for people in Wales over the next 30 years. 'Apprenticeships are not just a pathway to employment; they are the backbone of a prosperous Welsh economy, equipping people across all backgrounds with hands-on skills tailored to the needs of our industries,' says the NTFW manifesto. 'Investing in apprenticeships is an investment in people and in the future of Wales. With fair funding, inclusive access and strong partnerships, apprenticeships can help power a more equal, skilled and resilient nation. 'NTFW urges all Senedd candidates and political parties to commit to this vision. Let's build a Wales that thrives on skills, opportunity and ambition for everyone.' Collaboration is a key word throughout the manifesto, as the NTFW seeks to work in partnership with the Welsh Government, Medr, training providers, employers, learners, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol. 'By collaborating closely with Medr, we can ensure apprenticeship programmes are responsive, innovative and aligned with emerging industry needs,' states the manifesto. 'By working together, we can shape apprenticeship programmes that directly address skills gaps, boost productivity and support economic diversification.' The NTFW commits to providing equal access to qualifications delivered through the medium of Welsh or bilingually and calls on the next Welsh Government to prioritise mental health and wellbeing support services for apprentices. The manifesto calls on the next Welsh Government to restore money cut from the apprenticeship budget last year and to introduce long-term, sustainable funding that offers equity with other forms of post-16 education. It says apprenticeships must be placed at the heart of government policy and calls for a vocational skills strategy, developed in partnership with providers, to determine what is needed to maximise opportunities. The manifesto also calls for: a skills system that speaks to the aspirations of a Welsh economy. people of all ages and backgrounds to be able to retrain or upskill through apprenticeships, driving social mobility and inclusive growth. increased funding for apprenticeships in growing sectors, such as green energy, digital innovation and healthcare, to future-proof Wales's workforce. Apprenticeship opportunities in every part of Wales to support local economies, reduce inequalities and empower communities. Speakers at the launch, held at St. David's Hotel, Cardiff Bay, were NTFW chair John Nash, strategic director Lisa Mytton, FSB Head of Wales, Ben Cottam, Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol chief executive, Ioan Matthews, and Cavendish Cymru director Nerys Evans. Lisa Mytton, NTFW strategic director, said: 'We have launched this manifesto to set out what we expect an incoming Welsh Government to prioritise in their policies and skills strategy to boost the economy of Wales. 'Our mandate to the next government is to ensure that increased investment is available for apprenticeships. We are seeking that commitment from all candidates running for the next Senedd election.' John Nash, chairman of NTFW, added: 'This is an unprecedented moment. We have created an ambitious Manifesto for Apprenticeships that should be essential reading for every Senedd candidate. 'We are seeking a commitment from all political parties that apprenticeships will be at the heart of future Wesh Government policies to grow a prosperous and resilient Welsh economy with a highly skilled workforce.'
Business News Wales
21-06-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
NTFW Prepares Response to Medr's Tertiary Education Register Consultation
The NTFW is formulating a response to a consultation launched by Medr on the development of a new register-based regulatory system for tertiary education. Alongside the consultation – held under the provisions of the Tertiary Education and Research (Wales) Act 2022 – Medr is working on funding terms and conditions that will apply across the wider tertiary sector, as well as an approach to quality and continuous improvement. This first-phase consultation seeks views on Medr's proposed: Regulatory Approach, outlining its role as a proportionate, risk-based regulator and the framework for intervention. Regulatory Framework, including draft Conditions of Registration and Funding, compliance requirements, monitoring arrangements and reporting processes. Quality Framework, which underpins the requirements and monitoring standards for quality assurance. Lisa Mytton, NTFW strategic director, said the consultation was just one of many commitments during a busy time for the federation. Medr has begun implementing steering groups across a range of important topics – a new Trade Union Group has been established to strengthen engagement with education trade unions. This initiative aims to foster better information sharing, ensure early involvement in policy decisions and provide a deeper understanding of how the organisation's work impacts the tertiary sector workforce. To support the Welsh Language delivery plan, Medr has set up a working group to advise on key issues such as delivery mechanisms, initial principles and consultation arrangements. Elen Rees from Cambrian Training Company will represent the NTFW in this group. The Medr Additional Learning Needs (ALN) Group continues to meet regularly, bringing together representatives from all 10 commissioned contract holders. Discussions have focused on ALN provision and available support, alongside efforts to address barriers to ALS funding. This group is exploring ways to update guidance and criteria to create a more accessible funding model for providers. Medr has invited Estyn and the Quality Assurance Agency to collaborate on self-evaluation and quality improvement planning within the tertiary sector, with Angela Maguire-Lewis, NTFW board member, participating in this work. The NTFW has also attended regular meetings to prepare for the WorldSkills UK National Finals coming to Wales from November 25-28. The NTFW said 'a huge amount of work' had gone into the NTFW Manifesto for Apprenticeships for the 2026 Senedd election, which will be launched on June 24 at the St David's Hotel, Cardiff.
Business News Wales
18-06-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Who's Holding the Map? Making Skills Work for Wales
When we talk about skills in Wales, we're not short on effort or passion. Across the country, there are people working hard, in colleges, in companies, in government, to equip the next generation with the tools they need to succeed. But when you step back and look at the big picture, a question remains: who's holding the map? Wales has a rich skills ecosystem. We have regional skills partnerships across the Southeast, Southwest, North and Mid Wales, each doing valuable work to identify what local employers need and how to respond. We have Medr, the new organisation overseeing qualifications and apprenticeships, building the frameworks that can help deliver future-ready skills. We have a school curriculum that is evolving to reflect a changing world. And we have the Flexible Skills Fund, which supports people to upskill while in work, allowing them to grow and adapt as industries change. All of this is good. But it's also fragmented. What we lack is central leadership, a coordinated approach that aligns all these efforts with a clear, long-term vision for the Welsh economy. Because the real challenge isn't just delivering skills. It's connecting them, to each other, to industry, and to the future we want to build. Too often, we talk about skills in isolation, a report here, a funding pot there, a new qualification over there. But without a joined-up view of what our future industrial landscape looks like, and how our people fit into it, we risk doing a lot of good work without making the impact we need. The truth is, we already know much of what's required. We've seen the skills reports, year after year. They tell us we need stronger financial capabilities, more design and construction professionals, and more technical talent across digital, engineering, and green sectors. We need to retain and grow businesses here in Wales, not just their production arms, but their HQ functions too: HR, finance, R&D, and leadership. To get there, we need to start thinking more holistically. That means building industrial pathways, not just individual programmes. It means asking, where are the gaps, and how do we plug them in a way that delivers real, lasting value? It also means looking at movement, not just of young people entering the workforce, but of adults transitioning into new roles, upskilling within their companies, or reskilling entirely. Skills shouldn't be seen as a one-time injection, but a lifelong process, one that's responsive to change and supported by a system that knows where it's going. At the moment, our ecosystem is full of potential, but lacking precision. If we want to build an economy fit for the future, we need leadership that can connect the dots, align the players, and give everyone, from students to CEOs, a clearer sense of direction. It's time to stop just asking 'what skills do we need?' and start asking 'how do we make it happen?' Dr Jennifer Baxter talks about this and more in the recent Net Zero Industries Wales podcast episode 'The Green Economy – Investing in Skills and Workforce for a Net Zero Future' listen to the podcast HERE
Pembrokeshire Herald
27-05-2025
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Record numbers take to the dancefloor at school dance event
NO WELSH university is at immediate risk of collapsing under the weight of multi-million-pound deficits, according to the head of a public body set up to oversee post-16 education. Simon Pirotte, chief executive of Medr, which was established in August, gave evidence to the Senedd education committee's inquiry on issues facing higher education (HE). Medr, which has a near-£1bn budget, is responsible for funding and regulating post-16 education and research – including colleges and sixth forms, unlike its predecessor Hefcw. Mr Pirotte told the committee: 'I think it's fair to say… there are massive challenges facing the whole of the tertiary sector at the moment.' He added: 'It's an incredibly challenging time for institutions across the tertiary sector, every part… HE, local authority schools, FE [further education] colleges, apprenticeship providers, adult community providers – they're all facing financial pressures.' The former Bridgend College principal, who has been in education for around 40 years, emphasised that the 'very challenging financial context' is not unique to Wales. 'Almost 100 institutions across the UK have announced restructuring measures,' he said. 'So these are challenging times but it's also essential that institutions cure their financial sustainability and continue to provide those best experiences for learners. 'And I think it's fair to say that this requires some difficult decisions, including looking at prioritisation and efficiency measures… nobody wants to see job losses and I can say that as a former head of an FE college. 'I know how hard those decisions are and understand the tension between ensuring an institution's financial sustainability but also considering the human impact.' Appearing before the committee on May 21, Mr Pirotte told Senedd Members he faced similar pressures previously, with increasing costs not met by an increase in income. 'You have to identify additional sources of income and if that isn't possible, you have to consider scaling back or stopping certain activities,' he said. 'And this is the situation facing most institutions in Wales and indeed across the UK.' Mr Pirotte explained that Medr uses externally audited financial statements to assess the challenges facing universities. 'And we do not believe that any institution in Wales is at risk of failure in the immediate short term,' he said. Pointing to data published by Medr last week, he said universities faced a £61m operating deficit in 2023/24 compared with a £21m surplus in 2022/23. He told the committee: 'This deficit of £61m does not account for the one-off restructuring costs. If you add that in you're probably talking about a £77m deficit.' Mr Pirotte said more than half of costs in the sector are associated with staffing. 'If we take a 2.5% annual pay settlement for HE, that estimates about £22m a year,' he said. 'The increase in the employer national insurance costs, that's another estimated… £20m. 'Employer contributions for teachers' pension schemes, which particularly affects four of our institutions across Wales, is estimated to cost £6m a year.' He also raised inflationary pressures, energy costs, increasing cybersecurity risks, a downturn in the number of international students and the loss of EU structural funds. Mr Pirotte estimated increases in tuition fees to £9,535 a year will generate an additional income of about £36m 'but this will not cover the costs'. He warned that the UK Government's contentious proposals on immigration have further fuelled concerns among providers around international recruitment. On proposed cuts to courses, he stressed that universities are autonomous with 'subject provision driven by markets, by demand – what students want to study'. Mr Pirotte said the Tertiary Education Act 2022, which established Medr, specifically states that the body must not use its funding powers to require nor prohibit certain courses. Natasha Asghar, the Tory shadow education secretary, said: 'Medr seems to be the answer to everyone's prayers but when it comes to the nitty gritties… in relation to feedback to ministers: how much of it is going to be taken on board and actually acted upon?' South Wales East Senedd Member Natasha Asghar Mr Pirotte replied: 'We're certainly listened to – we have good, constructive dialogue.' James Owen, Medr's chief operating officer who is a former Welsh Government director, welcomed an additional £28.5m of in-year investment from ministers. Plaid Cymru's Cefin Campbell, a former lecturer, questioned how close some universities are to going into administration. 'How close are we to some sort of meltdown?' he asked. Plaid Cymru MS Cefin Campbell Mr Pirotte reiterated: 'We're not saying there's an institution that is in danger of falling over in the short term but there are medium- to longer-term challenges…. 'This is not easy – the reason that they're taking the actions that they are doing now is to prevent that falling over further down the line.' Pressed by Ms Ashgar about whether he can see the £77m deficit growing, he said: 'Yes is the simple answer but what we don't know yet is the final impact of the kind of measures that organisations are taking at the moment. 'The future is really challenging… that's why institutions are addressing the issues now – because they have to, otherwise that situation would get worse.'
