Latest news with #SimonPirotte
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.
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.'
Pembrokeshire Herald
27-05-2025
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Welsh universities ‘not at immediate risk of collapse'
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.'
Pembrokeshire Herald
27-05-2025
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
‘This will not capture the headlines': Senedd passes bill to ‘tidy up' Welsh law
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.'
Western Telegraph
25-05-2025
- Business
- Western Telegraph
Medr says Welsh universities not at 'immediate' risk
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. Mr Pirotte told the committee: '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. 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. 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 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'. On proposed cuts to courses, he stressed that universities are autonomous with 'subject provision driven by markets, by demand – what students want to study'. 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?' Mr Pirotte replied: 'We're certainly listened to – we have good, constructive dialogue.'
