Education

Welsh Government plans university rescue fund

Published

7 months ago

October 16, 2024

WALES’ new post-16 education minister revealed plans for an emergency fund for universities amid concerns about an estimated £100m shortfall.

Vikki Howells was quizzed in the Senedd about reports of a rescue plan for universities in England, including a £1bn bail-out and fee rises as well as cuts to courses and staff.

Pressed about the Welsh Government’s own plans, she said: “I’m aware that the UK Government has this emergency fund that they’re bringing into play.

“Medr is going to have its own funds to support our institutions here in Wales.”

Medr, a new body which was established in August, now oversees all post-16 education and research – including colleges and sixth forms unlike its predecessor, Hefcw

Ms Howells stressed the emergency funding, which she did not put a number on, would seek to transform the sector as well as bail out universities in financial peril.

She told the Senedd: “Although we know this is a difficult time, and the sector needs to find ways to reduce costs, we don’t believe there is any Welsh institution that is at risk of failure.”

Cefin Campbell, Plaid Cymru’s shadow education secretary, was not so sure as he warned of a funding crisis facing Welsh universities.

He said: “I believe, if the [Welsh] Government doesn’t take urgent action, we could lose these very special institutions – a number of them.”

Mr Campbell added: “Considering the financial hole that faces many of our Welsh universities, thought to be £100m, the pressure is growing on you as a government to work with our universities to find solutions that will protect jobs, students and our wider economy.”

Calling for clarity on the Welsh Government’s position, the former lecturer warned: “Let’s not beat around the bush – Welsh universities face serious challenges and the clock is ticking.”

Ms Howells, a former assistant head of sixth form at Caerphilly’s St Cenydd Comprehensive, said the pressures are not unique to Wales “but across the UK and even internationally”.

She pointed out that Welsh Government funding makes up about 10% of the total, saying many of the factors fueling financial pressures on universities are outside ministers’ control.

Ms Howells emphasised that universities are autonomous, “so they will be taking their own decisions, albeit with an input and a steer from myself and from Medr”.

Tom Giffard, the Conservatives’ shadow education secretary, warned the number of people going to university has fallen to a 15-year low.

Mr Giffard shined a light on “stark” statistics showing 33% of 18-year-olds in Wales applied to university this year, compared with 41.9% for the UK as a whole.

He warned of a 1% drop in the number of people pursuing apprenticeships, saying it is worrying to see fewer and fewer people choosing both routes.

Mr Giffard, a former teaching assistant in a Welsh-language primary school, raised concerns about Medr’s priorities being too broad, a lack of targets, and unfilled posts.

Ms Howells, who was appointed last month, pointed to non-repayable grants for students from the poorest households but she accepted that participation needs to improve.

In a statement to the Senedd on October 15, the minister outlined her priorities for post-16 education including a focus on three Cs: collaboration, cooperation and community.

Urging people to respond to a consultation on Medr’s strategic plan, she described the new arm’s-length body as a major step towards a vision of a more coherent post-16 sector.

John Griffiths, a Labour backbencher who represents Newport East, raised ColegauCymru’s calls for a national vocational education and training strategy.

Plaid Cymru’s Heledd Fychan warned of declining numbers of pupils in sixth forms in the past few years, with no sixth-form provision at all in any school in some counties.

Labour’s Mike Hedges, who was a lecturer in Pontypridd for 27 years, welcomed the minister’s appointment and “more importantly” the creation of the position itself.

Rhys ab Owen, an independent, cautioned that a fourth C, Cymraeg, was missing from the minister’s statement as he raised concerns that 99% of college training is in English.

Adam Price, the former MP and Plaid Cymru leader, criticised a decision to close a Coleg Sir Gâr campus, bringing an end to nearly 100 years of further education in Ammanford.

Education

Young people enjoy international exchange trip from Oberkirch to Haverfordwest

Published

1 day ago

May 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A GROUP of 20 young people and their teachers from Oberkirch, Germany, visited Haverfordwest last month as part of an international learning exchange.

The visit, which began on April 7, was part of a return leg following a successful exchange in August 2024, when members of Haverfordwest Youth Club and their youth workers travelled to Oberkirch. The two towns have enjoyed a strong twinning relationship since 1989.

Both visits were supported by Taith, the Welsh Government-funded programme that promotes international learning exchanges in Wales.

During their five-day stay in Pembrokeshire, the visiting group immersed themselves in Welsh culture through a wide-ranging programme of activities. The trip began with a warm welcome event at The Edge Youth Centre, where the group met members of the local community and enjoyed a special performance by the Haverfordwest Male Voice Choir.

The itinerary included a scenic walk along the coastal path, guided visits to historical landmarks, and a tour of Haverfordwest High VC School. Participants also enjoyed cultural sessions designed to promote friendship, understanding, and personal growth.

Feedback from the group was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the stunning Pembrokeshire landscape and the warm hospitality of their hosts.

Liz Griffiths, Community Youth Team Manager, said: “Taking part in this international learning exchange programme has been an enriching experience for the young people, broadening their cultural horizons and providing valuable opportunities for travel and learning.

“They conducted themselves with great maturity and courtesy, serving as outstanding ambassadors for Oberkirch. We are hopeful that this marks the beginning of more frequent exchanges between the young people of our twin towns.”

Pembrokeshire Youth continues to offer a wide range of experiences, support and opportunities for young people aged 11 to 25 across the county.

Photo caption: Visiting students and teachers from Oberkirch enjoyed a packed itinerary during their stay in Pembrokeshire (Pic: Pembrokeshire Youth).

Education

Ten apprenticeship places up for grabs in award-winning construction scheme

Published

2 days ago

May 11, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Young people and career changers invited to apply for Cyfle Building Skills initiative

APPLICATIONS are now open for the Cyfle Building Skills Shared Apprenticeship Scheme in Pembrokeshire – with only ten places available for those looking to begin a career in the construction industry.

The highly regarded programme, now in its twelfth year, offers hands-on experience across a range of trades while participants study towards a recognised vocational qualification.

Uniquely, apprentices rotate between several trusted local construction firms, gaining a broad range of on-site experience. One day a week is spent at college to support their training.

Paul Falzon, Pembrokeshire Coordinator for Cyfle, is hosting a drop-in information session on Wednesday (May 21) at The Corner Room, Haverhub, The Old Post Office, Quay Street, Haverfordwest, from 9:00am to 1:00pm. No appointment is needed.

The scheme has supported nearly 1,000 apprentices across South West Wales and has a strong success rate – with around 90% of apprentices going on to full-time employment after completing the programme.

Trades on offer include bricklaying, plastering, carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, painting and decorating, maintenance/multi-skilling, and technical roles.

Backed by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the programme aims to address the growing demand for skilled workers in the construction sector and provide a flexible, supported route into the industry.

Mr Falzon said: “This scheme has helped hundreds of young people take their first steps into the construction industry, and we’re thrilled to be expanding our presence in Pembrokeshire. Whether you’re a school leaver, a career changer, or someone who enjoys practical work, I’d encourage you to come along to the drop-in session or get in touch—it could be the start of something great.”

Applications close at the end of June 2025, and with limited availability, early application is advised.

Local contractors who would like to support the scheme by offering placements are also encouraged to contact Mr Falzon directly on 07799 716 567 or [email protected].

Education

Ten apprenticeship places up for grabs in award-winning construction scheme

Published

4 days ago

May 9, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Young people and career changers invited to apply for Cyfle Building Skills initiative

The highly regarded programme, now in its twelfth year, offers hands-on experience across a range of trades while participants study towards a recognised vocational qualification.

Uniquely, apprentices rotate between several trusted local construction firms, gaining a broad range of on-site experience. One day a week is spent at college to support their training.

Trades on offer include bricklaying, plastering, carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, painting and decorating, maintenance/multi-skilling, and technical roles.

Backed by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the programme aims to address the growing demand for skilled workers in the construction sector and provide a flexible, supported route into the industry.

Applications close at the end of June 2025, and with limited availability, early application is advised.

Local contractors who would like to support the scheme by offering placements are also encouraged to contact Mr Falzon directly on 07799 716 567 or [email protected].

For more information or to apply online, visit: www.cyflebuilding.co.uk