News

Interactive careers to bridge skills gap in Wales

Published

11 years ago

June 24, 2014

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has this week announced it will be helping to bring two flagship interactive careers and skills events to Wales this year.

Latest research from the UK Commission’s Employer Skills Survey show that whilst there has been a 14 per cent increase in job vacancies in Wales over the past two years, skills shortages remain a key issue for employers in Wales and the rest of the UK. As part of an ongoing programme of Welsh Government activities designed to inspire Welsh young people and adults about the variety of vocational routes available to them, SkillsCymru 2014 will be held over four days at two venues – Venue Cymru in Llandudno on October 8-9 and Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena on October 22-23 – giving over 10,000 people the opportunity to find out how to gain new skills and train for the future. These events will be part funded by the European Social Fund. Ken Skates, the Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, was joined by Welsh star of The Apprentice, Alex Mills, as he made the announcement this morning at Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena. “I am thrilled to announce that we will be helping to bring SkillsCymru to Wales. These exciting events will allow thousands of people to learn more about a whole host of careers – from the armed forces to the health service, from IT to the media, from finance to manufacturing – and find out what skills and training they need to get into their chosen field. “I would encourage as many employers as possible to get behind SkillsCymru. By supporting the event, they can be assured that they will be making a real investment into the future of their workforce – attracting the talent they need for their organisation’s future. “The Welsh Government is committed to doing all it can to enhance our nation’s skills by giving as many people as possible access to first-class vocational training and by ensuring they know about all the fantastic learning and skills opportunities that currently exist here in Wales. “By continuing to put on events like this, investing in our flagship programmes such as Apprenticeships and Jobs Growth Wales, and pushing forwards with our Skills Implementation Plan for Wales, we are confident that we can go a long way towards closing the skills gap.” Alex Mills, 23, from Llandough, who lasted 10 weeks on last year’s series of BBC show ‘The Apprentice’, began his working life at 19 and has an impressive business portfolio, ranging from stone masonry to insurance. Commenting on the importance of SkillsCymru, Alex said: “Some people in life are academics and some are ‘hands-on’ learners. I am definitely the latter. I think that the training you get from being in a working environment from a young age is invaluable, particularly as you can earn while you learn. “I don’t think people realise quite how many fantastic opportunities are open to young people here in Wales today. SkillsCymru 2014 will demonstrate the breadth of careers and industries they can choose to go into and highlight the skills that they will need to become successful in whichever one they choose.” Over 25 organisations have already signed up to be a part of SkillsCymru 2014, including NHS Wales, the Royal Air Force, Navy and Marines, McDonalds, Welsh Government (Food and Drink), the ESTnet and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service. They will all be offering the chance for visitors to try their hand at a new skill, get first-hand expert careers adviceand explore fresh approaches to education, work, learning, skills and careers. SkillsCymru last took place in 2010 at the Millennium Stadium. Over 20,000 visitors attended, from school children and school leavers to university students and adults looking for a career change, and met with 150 exhibitors and organisations. This year’s events are being organised by Prospects and Cazbah, and supported by the Welsh Government and Careers Wales. Also speaking at this morning’s launch were Ian Menzies, managing director of General Dynamics, Sandra Busby, managing director of the Welsh Contact Centre Forum, and Arwyn Watkins, managing director at Cambrian Training and chief executive officer at National Training Federation for Wales.

News

Pembrokeshire County Councillor Andrew Edwards resigns suddenly

Published

29 mins ago

December 30, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE of PembroTHE CHIEF executive of Pembrokeshire County Council, Will Bramble, has released a statement announcing that Cllr Andrew Edwards has resigned for personal reasons. A notice of a casual vacancy will be published today (Dec 30).

The Pembrokeshire Herald contacted Cllr Edwards, who issued the following statement:

“Family matters have made my position as a county councillor untenable.

“I have therefore decided to resign from the council, as I feel unable to carry out my duties to the standard I would wish at this time.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the staff and fellow councillors who have supported me during my tenure.

“I wish the very best to my successor, who I am confident will serve the community with dedication.

“This has not been an easy decision, but I believe it is in the best interests of those I represent.”

Edwards, a barber, has served on the council since May 2022.

In April 2023, the Conservative councillor referred himself to the Public Services Ombudsman following the emergence of a recording in which he appeared to make offensive remarks suggesting all white men should have a black slave. However, it was later suggested that the recording may have been artificially generated using AI to discredit him.

Health

Hospital visiting precautions in place ‘to protect patients’

Published

37 mins ago

December 30, 2024

Tom Sinclair

VISITORS to hospitals across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, and Pembrokeshire are being asked to only attend if they are free of any potential flu-like symptoms, or any sickness or diarrhoea. Additionally, they may be requested to wear face masks before entry to certain wards or departments.

Seasonal flu and winter vomiting viruses are affecting patients on several wards with infection prevention and control actions being taken, as necessary.

Visitors are asked to only come to see their loved ones if they are free of any infections, to wash hands before leaving home and clean hands on arrival at the hospital/ward using the hand sanitiser. Visitors may also be asked to wear face masks/coverings on the ward/department they are visiting. Masks will be available at the hospital entrance or can be provided on affected wards.

There are additional restrictions in place that limit visitors to:

Acute Medical Assessment Unit (AMAU) at Prince Philip Hospital, Llanelli. Please discuss individual patient visiting arrangements at AMAU with the nurse in charge.
This arrangement will be reviewed daily, and restrictions will be lifted as soon as possible. The health board’s website will be updated daily with details of wards with enhanced restrictions on visiting.

Janice Cole Williams, Assistant Director of Nursing at Hywel Dda University Health Board
said: “Within affected wards, all staff are wearing masks and visiting is limited at Prince Philip Hospital’s AMAU to help stop spread of infection.

“Our local community can help us avoid outbreaks of infection by not visiting family and friends in hospital if they are feeling unwell themselves.

“Annual flu vaccination is also undoubtedly the best way to protect against catching or spreading flu. Not only can it prevent you from becoming very unwell, it can also help reduce your risk of secondary infections such as pneumonia, which can be dangerous if you are clinically vulnerable.”

Vaccination centres are open, with no appointment needed today (Monday), until 5.30pm and tomorrow, Tuesday, December 31 for all people eligible for flu and COVID-19 vaccinations. This includes children aged two years (on 31 August 2024) to those in year 11 who can access the nasal flu vaccine at the centres.

Drop in any time between 9.15am and 5.30pm to your nearest vaccination centre:

Aberaeron (Aberaeron Integrated Care Centre, Vicarage Hill, Aberaeron, SA46 0DY)
Llanelli (Unit 2a, Dafen Industrial Estate, Heol Cropin, SA14 8QW)
Neyland (Unit 1 Honeyborough Retail Park, SA73 1SE)
The following groups are eligible for vaccination:

Flu vaccination

Children aged two and three years on 31 August 2024 
Children in primary school from reception class to year 6 (inclusive)  
Children in secondary school from year 7 to year 11 (inclusive)   
People aged six months to 64 years in clinical risk groups   
People aged 65 years and older (age on 31 March 2024)   
Pregnant women  
Carers aged 16 and over 
People aged six months to 65 years who live with someone who has a weakened immune system   
People with a learning disability  
Frontline health and social care workers  
All staff working in care homes with regular client contact
Poultry workers at high risk
COVID-19 vaccination

People aged six months to 64 years with a long-term health condition (which includes pregnant women and people with a weakened immune system)
Residents in a care home for older adults
People aged 65 years and older (age on 31 March 2025)
Unpaid carers
Frontline health and social care workers
Staff working in care homes for older adults
If you have any questions about accessing the flu and/or COVID-19 vaccine, please phone the health board on 0300 303 8322 option 1 or email: [email protected]

Business

Welsh firms expect brighter profits in 2025

Published

12 hours ago

December 30, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MORE than three-quarters (79%) of Welsh businesses expect greater profitability in 2025, a significant increase from 69% recorded in December 2023, according to Lloyds’ Business Barometer.

The survey also revealed that 73% of firms anticipate a rise in turnover next year. Of those, nearly a third (32%) predict revenue growth of between six and 10%, while over a quarter (26%) expect even higher gains.

Profitability remains the top priority for 55% of businesses, followed closely by staff upskilling (43%) and productivity improvements (33%). Additionally, 17% of firms aim to enhance their technology, including automation and AI, while 18% are focused on improving environmental sustainability.

To achieve these goals, more than a third (35%) of Welsh businesses plan to invest in staff training, with 29% allocating resources towards research and development (R&D) of new products or services.

The Lloyds Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly and has been running since 2002, provides valuable insights into regional and national economic trends.

Sam Noble, Regional Director for Wales at Lloyds, said: “Welsh businesses are looking ahead to the new year with ambitious plans. While uncertainties remain, these strategies will help them achieve growth and strengthen their resilience against potential challenges. As they move forward, we’ll continue to stand by them with our support.”