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Education

Extra investment in 21st Century Schools

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Announced £100m extra: Kirsty Williams

£100​M ​is to be invested over the next three years to accelerate the delivery of the flagship 21st Century Schools and Education programme, Cabinet Secretary for Education, Kirsty Williams and Minister for Welsh Language and Lifelong Learning Eluned Morgan ​has said.

An extra £75m, has been allocated to the 21st Century Schools and Education Programme a major, long-term and strategic capital investment programme to modernise education infrastructure.

In addition, £30m will be released from the programme in future years for immediate investment in capital projects that will contribute to the goal of reaching a million Welsh speakers by 2050. This is a shared priority with Plaid Cymru.

The money will bring the total invested over the life of the programme to almost £3.8bn. The first phase of the programme will finish in 2019 having invested £1.4bn to support the rebuild and refurbishment of more than 150 schools and colleges across Wales. The second phase will see a spend of £2.3bn.

Kirsty Williams said: “Our national mission is to raise standards, reduce the attainment gap and deliver an education system that is a source of national pride and confidence. Our 21st Century Schools and Education Programme plays a key part in this and is the largest investment in our schools and colleges since the 1960s.

“Having a comfortable, modern, fit-for-purpose environment in which to learn is vital to ensuring young people have the best possible education. This extra funding will mean that even more of our students will be able to benefit from having the best possible facilities in their schools and colleges.​”​

Eluned Morgan said: “Reaching a million Welsh speakers by 2050 is a significant challenge and education is key to the success of this ambition. This means we need to invest in new Welsh medium schools and improve and increase the teaching of Welsh in English medium schools. Bringing forward this funding for immediate investment allows us to ensure there is no delay in the work to achieve this target.”

Education

Wales’ youth triumph at national skills competition

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Over 280 talented young people from across Wales have been recognised for their outstanding vocational skills at this year’s Skills Competition Wales awards, securing 96 gold, 92 silver and 97 bronze medals.

Pembrokeshire proudly emerges as a beacon of excellence, seizing an impressive array of accolades at the Skills Competition Wales. With sheer determination and unwavering commitment, participants clinched an outstanding tally of achievements, including three coveted gold medals, eleven silver medals, and three bronze medals.

Furthermore, Pembrokeshire’s dedication to excellence was duly recognised with the prestigious Ecolab Excellence in Hygiene Award for Hospitality learner Leo Luke. Not stopping there, Pembrokeshire also clinched the esteemed title of Best in Region for Childcare thanks to Level 3 Childcare student Tamika Simms, a testament to our learner’s commitment and the dedication of staff in supporting future generations.

Pembrokeshire College is pleased to acknowledge the outstanding accomplishments of their students at the Skills Competition Wales. Luke Gibbons, Celyn Lewis, and Mia Parkin secured bronze medals in Electrical Installation, Childcare, and Beauty Therapy, respectively, demonstrating their expertise. The collaborative effort of Tom Jenkins, Drew John, Jak Matera-Byford, and Reuben Swindlehurst (SLÂK) in Popular Music earned them a deserving silver medal, alongside other silver medallists such as Ffion Mabey, Tamika Simms, Cerys Rogers, Kaya Majica, Luke Roberts, Connor Johnson, and Logan Russ. Emma Wilkinson, Erin Owens, and Ross Muller claimed gold medals in Life Skills, Beauty Therapy, and Horticulture, showcasing their exceptional talent and dedication. These achievements underscore the hard work and commitment of the College’s students, solidifying Pembrokeshire College’s reputation for excellence in education and skills development.  

Furthermore, Ysgol Preseli pupil Geraint Thomas earned a gold medal in the 14-16 years category for Construction Skills, demonstrating the breadth of talent within Pembrokeshire’s educational community.

These remarkable achievements stand as a testament to the talent, hard work, and dedication of the participants and tutors, solidifying Pembrokeshire’s reputation as a powerhouse in skills and innovation.

The announcement follows a series of competitions that took place in January and February, where a record-breaking 1,129 representatives from every corner of Wales competed to be named the ‘country’s best’ in their sector. Competitions covered skill areas including culinary arts, web development, aeronautical engineering and renewable energy. 

This year’s competition also saw a steady and encouraging rise in female participation in the traditionally male-dominated construction categories, including carpentry, painting and decorating, and renewable energy, making up 20% of the competitor numbers – an increase of 10% since 2020.

The awards ceremony took place at the ICC Wales in Newport on Thursday 14 March, where medallists received well-deserved recognition for demonstrating their skills and hard work, surrounded by friends and family.

In addition, numerous ‘watch parties’ across Wales allowed competitors and their families to celebrate collectively across the nation and Pembrokeshire College celebrated the success of their students in the Merlin Theatre.

Gold medallist, Erin Owen, who competed in the Beauty Therapy Practitioner (Body) category, described her competition experience: “I am absolutely thrilled to have won the gold medal, I was secretly hoping to be in the top 3 but was overwhelmed to win Gold. 

“I want to thank everyone who has supported me throughout the competitions, and I am looking forward to competing in WorldSkills UK later this year.” 

Erin’s tutors celebrated her momentous moment with her: “We are not surprised that Erin won the gold medal as she is an outstanding student who excels in all her work. She has proved that hard work and determination pays off. As a team we are extremely proud of Erin’s achievements and have no doubt she will continue to succeed at every given opportunity.  Ardderchog Erin Cer amdani! “

Skills Competition Wales, run by the Inspiring Skills Excellence in Wales project, serves as a launchpad for participants to compete in prestigious national and international events such as WorldSkills UK, EuroSkills, and WorldSkills International. Funded by the Welsh Government, the project aims to nurture talent and drive excellence across different skill sectors by collaborating with a dedicated network of colleges, work-based learning providers and employer-led organisations.

Reflecting on the recent success at Pembrokeshire College, Principal Barry Walters said: “Pembrokeshire College is delighted to have scooped 17 medals from the Inspiring Skills Wales competitions last night. Gold, Silver and Bronze medals were achieved by 17 learners across 10 different vocational routes. Thanks to the staff for their support for the learners’ competition journeys. We are all really proud of their achievements.”

Young people in Wales can also compete in the upcoming SkillBuild and WorldSkills national and international competitions subject to a further round of applications. Registrations for this year’s Skill Build competitions close on 1st April 2024 and WorldSkills UK competitions close on the 28th March 2024.

Minister for Economy, Vaughan Gething, said: “Skills Competition Wales serves as the perfect platform for our youth to push their boundaries and showcase their talents.

“One of my priorities for a stronger economy is to focus on young peoples’ skills and creativity, giving them the support they need to achieve ambitious futures here in Wales.

“Having had the privilege of supporting and attending numerous competitions, including this year’s Renewable Energy competition hosted at the Senedd, I’ve witnessed first hand the remarkable talent pool we have in Wales. It’s truly inspiring to see these young individuals take pride in their work and continuously strive for excellence in their chosen fields.

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each and every competitor for their outstanding achievements so far. Each of you has a very exciting journey ahead.”

As Wales looks ahead, Lyon, France, will host the 47th International WorldSkills competition, where Welsh competitors will represent Team UK to be in with a shot at being crowned the best in the world at their vocational skill.

For more information on skills competitions in Wales and to be in with a chance to represent your country in 2024 and 2025, visit https://inspiringskills.gov.wales/

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Education

Manorbier School Triumphs Amidst Adversity, Shines in Latest Estyn Report

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MANORBIER SCHOOL has recently garnered glowing accolades from Estyn, the Welsh authority on education and training inspection. Despite the shadow of a harrowing ordeal that could have easily dimmed its spirit, the school has emerged not just intact but stronger, according to Estyn’s latest findings.

December 2023’s inspection revealed a community at Manorbier School that has woven a tapestry of care and dedication so profound, it has touched every soul within its fold. Estyn’s report highlights, “Following a significant period of challenge, the staff have fostered a deeply caring and nurturing community, extending a warm embrace to all. This ethos of compassion significantly enhances pupils’ well-being and joy, a testament to the relentless commitment of the school’s staff.”

The aftermath of a devastating fire saw the school operating from Jameston Community Hall, a temporary sanctuary that has since become a beacon of hope and continuity. However, the pace of reconstruction at the original site has been a source of lingering concern among the local populace and parents alike.

Amid these trials, the Jameston Hall premises have evolved to meet the educational and extracurricular needs of Manorbier’s pupils, contributing to a sense of normalcy and enrichment in their academic journey.

Francesca Ventris-Field, representing the parent body, shared her child’s affection for the school, noting, “My child adores Manorbier School, engaging enthusiastically in various clubs. Despite the adversity we’ve faced, the school remains a nurturing haven. Our only wish is for more families to discover our wonderful community.”

The report further commends Manorbier School’s efforts to weave international and rural Welsh schools into its curriculum, significantly enhancing linguistic skills and broadening the educational experience for its pupils.

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Education

The programme helping Pembrokeshire unemployed become ‘work ready’

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A GROUP of 12 unemployed people from Pembrokeshire have taken the first steps to securing a job in the engineering construction industry after beginning a Trainee Maintenance Operative Work Ready Programme.

The cohort, aged 18 and over, will gain recognised industry skills and accredited qualifications as part of a 16-week programme, with 12 guaranteed job roles at the end.

On successful completion of the programme, they will secure jobs with Altrad Services and be deployed on the Valero Refinery in Pembroke.

Work Ready is a collaborative and co-funded partnership between the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB), a college or training provider, local employers and the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP).

The Pembrokeshire programme is being delivered by Pembrokeshire College and Providence Training and is co-funded by the Welsh Government and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda.

Additional Work Ready programmes are running across the UK this year, including in the Vale of Glamorgan, Cumbria, Hampshire and Teesside.

They have been developed to create a pipeline of new entrants and help address skills gaps in the engineering construction industry, with the ECITB’s Labour Forecasting Tool predicting a 28% increase in demand for workers by 2028.

ECITB Chief Executive Andrew Hockey said: “The pilot Work Ready programme in Pembrokeshire in 2023 was a big success with all learners who completed the programme gaining employment. It shows the real benefits of adopting a collaborative approach.

“The ECITB’s strategy, Leading Industry Learning, sets out our plans to grow new entrant pathways, like Work Ready, into the engineering construction industry.

“The Pembrokeshire programme further demonstrates the steps the ECITB is taking to grow capacity within the industry and I wish learners the best of luck on their journey to securing jobs with Altrad.”

Referrals for the Work Ready programmes came via DWP’s Jobcentres, with unemployed candidates being put forward for interview.

As well as being introduced to skills related to health and safety, rigging and mechanical joint integrity, the programme also involves learners achieving a Level 2 Diploma in Performing Engineering Operations or equivalent qualification.

Pembrokeshire College Principal Dr Barry Walters added: “It’s great that industry, Pembrokeshire College and the ECITB are once again working together to get individuals into work. This programme has been tailored to meet the requirements of industry and fill the gaps in the workforce.

“The 16-week programme represents a fantastic opportunity for the cohort to be directly recruited to work with Altrad upon successful completion.

“The engineering industry is thriving in Pembrokeshire and we are delighted to be part of a programme that provides these opportunities to those looking to upskill and gain employment.”

Altrad combined forces with the Northern Competency Cluster, which included the ECITB, to help nine trainees gain employment in Teesside last year.

Tony Jester, Executive Vice President of Operations at Altrad, said: “The Teesside pilot enabled trainees to acquire essential skills and knowledge, equipping them for roles within the engineering construction industry.

“The training provided not only fosters a more skilled and capable workforce, but also serves as a crucial stepping stone towards building a robust talent pipeline.

“This strategic initiative has not only met the immediate skills requirements of the industry, but has also positioned it for long-term success by cultivating a pool of skilled professionals.”

Donna Mulvihill, Head of Learning & Development at Altrad, said: “I am pleased that the programme’s triumph has prompted the expansion and replication of the model in other areas, underscoring its effectiveness as a scalable solution to address regional skills gaps and build a sustainable talent pipeline for the future.”

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