Education

Most important education hustings for the teaching profession

Published

9 years ago

March 4, 2016

Answering questions on education policies: Andrew RT Davies

THE ASSOCIATION of Teachers and Lecturers Cymru (ATL Cymru), National Union of Teachers Cymru (NUT Cymru) and Undeb Cenedlaethol Athrawon Cymru (UCAC) have joined forces to hold the most important education hustings for the teaching profession in the build up to the Welsh election on May 5.

The event, which will be held at the The Futures Inn hotel in Cardiff Bay, will be chaired by the Western Mail’s Education Correspondent Gareth Evans and will see Huw Lewis AM (Welsh Labour), Andrew RT Davies AM (Welsh Conservatives), Simon Thomas AM (Plaid Cymru) and Aled Roberts AM (Welsh Liberal Democrats) each make their pitch for the electoral support of teachers.

NUT Cymru Secretary, David Evans, said: “We are delighted that the four education spokespeople for the main parties at the Assembly, including the Education Minister, have agreed to be scrutinised on their vision for education in Wales by the very individuals who will be tasked with delivering it.

“I think the willingness of the panellists to take part in this event goes to show the respect they have for the profession. The fact that we have come together as three unions to facilitate this debate on behalf of our members, and indeed members of other unions who will be attending, goes to show the strength of unity there is amongst the profession at the moment.

“It is crucially important that education professionals have confidence in whichever political party is running education in Wales after the election and this is a positive first step to building that relationship.”

Dr. Philip Dixon, Director of ATL, said: ‘This promises to be an exciting evening. We have a stellar line up of politicians – the outgoing minister, the leader of the Welsh Conservatives, and shadow ministers from Plaid Cymru and the Lib Dems. We will also have an impressive line-up of teachers, heads and support staff who will want to put them through their paces.

“Education is one of the two big spenders of the Welsh Government’s budget. It is right that it becomes the focus of attention in the run up to the election. We will want to hear from the parties about the policies and proposals, and we will want them to hear from us about what has and hasn’t worked, what needs to be done – and what needs to be invested in education to get it done.

“Teachers are used to being at the receiving end of politicians’ strictures. These hustings, filled with representatives from across Wales will help turn the tables and let our would-be-rulers know what we want and expect from them. There will be a clear message that we must put education first if we want Wales to succeed.’

UCAC General Secretary, Elaine Edwards, said: “According to Elaine Edwards, UCAC’s General Secretary, “Education policies have an impact on the job prospects, career opportunities and the quality of life of people of all ages. They can make or break individuals, families and communities. Without the benefit of valuable lifelong learning opportunities people of all ages and backgrounds are denied important choices. This is why this event is so important.”

“As unions we are working together to ensure that education is at the heart of the Welsh Election Agenda.”

“Education is not just about schools, colleges and universities; above all it is about people and society. A thriving education system leads to a thriving economy and a highly skilled workforce in health, public services, business and industry,” she added.

“We hope that people of all backgrounds will join us at this key event about the very future of Wales.”

Education

Ceredigion County Council launches new graduate scheme

Published

11 hours ago

June 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Six paid placements open across key departments

CEREDIGION County Council has announced the launch of a new Graduate Scheme aimed at giving recent university graduates a foothold in professional public service careers.

The initiative, funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, offers six paid placements across a variety of departments, including Planning, Carbon Reduction, Engineering, Legal, Public Protection, and Youth Work.

Eifion Evans, Chief Executive of Ceredigion County Council, said:
“We are excited to launch this scheme. It’s not only a great initiative to support our Corporate Wellbeing Objective of ‘Boosting the economy, supporting businesses and enabling employment,’ but also a fantastic opportunity for recent graduates to take their first step on the career ladder and access quality career opportunities in public service and beyond.”

Council Leader, Councillor Bryan Davies, added:
“This scheme represents a valuable investment in our county. It offers graduates the chance to pursue rewarding careers within the region and the communities where they were raised. We strongly encourage graduates to apply and look forward to building on this initiative in the years ahead.”

About the scheme

The scheme is open to applicants with relevant degrees, offering 12-month paid contracts. Graduate Trainees will earn while they learn, gaining tailored support and training to develop specialist skills and a strong foundation for future employment.

The six areas currently available are:

Planning, Building Control & Development Management
Carbon Reduction, Energy & Asset Management
Engineering
Legal
Public Protection (Environmental Health or Trading Standards)
Youth Work

How to apply

Applications are now open via the Ceredigion County Council careers website. An online information session will be held on Monday, 9 June, for interested candidates to learn more about the roles and working life at Team Ceredigion.

Education

Carms schools leading in Welsh-medium engineering and digital education

Published

2 days ago

June 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Hundreds of pupils gain future-ready skills through groundbreaking regional initiative

CARMARTHENSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL is celebrating the success of a pioneering education project that is equipping hundreds of young people with vital engineering and digital skills—delivered entirely through the medium of Welsh.

Launched in 2020, the initiative was the first pilot funded under the Swansea Bay City Deal’s Skills and Talent Programme. It is jointly led by Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Myrddin and Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Maes y Gwendraeth, in partnership with the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, and was developed to address a regional skills gap while creating clear pathways into high-demand careers.

Since its inception, 843 pupils have enrolled in Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications. Around 40 per cent of those at Level 2 have progressed to more advanced study, with many students now continuing their education at college or university, or entering apprenticeships—demonstrating the programme’s long-term impact.

The collaboration with the University of Wales Trinity Saint David provides students with access to cutting-edge research and hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment, ensuring they are well prepared for future employment or further study.

The Skills and Talent Programme is one of nine projects within the Swansea Bay City Deal and is overseen by the Regional Learning and Skills Partnership. The initiative focuses on five key sectors: construction, energy, digital, manufacturing, and health. To date, it has supported 23 pilot projects, developed four new apprenticeship pathways, and aims by 2030 to deliver:

14,000 individuals qualified to Level 2 and above,
3,000 apprenticeships,
2,200 individuals with enhanced skills,
20 new courses, and
two Centres of Excellence.

Cllr Glynog Davies, Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language, said:
“This programme shows what’s possible when we invest in young people through the Welsh language. Our schools are helping students develop real-world skills that are needed across Wales and beyond. We’re incredibly proud of their achievements and excited to see the continued growth of this important work.”

Dr Llinos Jones, Headteacher at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Myrddin, added:
“The Skills and Talent Programme Awards have been a catalyst for transformative change, enabling our initiative to reach new heights. This funding has expanded access to vital learning resources and empowered learners with future-ready skills, supporting long-term regional growth.”

Jane Lewis, Regional Skills Partnership Manager, said:
“This project has given so many young people a head start in careers that are essential to our region. We’re proud to support it and hope even more students are inspired to follow the engineering and digital pathways.”

Education

Pupils from Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi visit Parliament for a day of learning and engagement

Published

3 days ago

June 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A GROUP of pupils from Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi in St Davids travelled to London on Thursday (June 12) for a special visit to the Houses of Parliament, where they were hosted by their local MP, Henry Tufnell.

The visit included a guided tour of the Palace of Westminster and a chance to see the House of Commons and House of Lords in action. The group arrived around 2:30pm and took part in educational workshops before enjoying a lively question-and-answer session with Mr Tufnell.

The pupils, smartly dressed in school uniform and wearing orange visitor passes, posed for a group photo in one of Parliament’s ornate committee rooms before engaging in discussions about democracy, Pembrokeshire, and the role of MPs. Mr Tufnell, MP for Mid and South Pembrokeshire, said he was impressed with the thoughtful and challenging questions posed by the students.

Writing on social media, Mr Tufnell said: “Brilliant to have Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi School in Parliament today! Before a tour of the Palace we did a quiz and a Q&A about Pembrokeshire, Parliament and my role as an MP – some excellent questions!”

The trip was organised and led by Mrs R Owen, Head of Languages, Literacy and Communication at the school, alongside Mr J Owen (Literacy HLTA) and school governor Mrs B Thomas-Price. The day involved a very early start, with pupils departing the Dewi campus at 6:00am, and returning shortly after midnight.

Headteacher Rachael Thomas described the opportunity as “fantastic” and thanked parents for their quick response to the late notice trip. Pupils were expected to model the school’s values throughout the visit, and brought packed lunches and books or headphones for the long coach journey

This inspiring visit offered a memorable real-world learning experience for the pupils and a chance to deepen their understanding of politics and public service.