Education
Education Minister to quit Senedd in May

KIRSTY WILLIAMS, Wales’ Education Minister will not stand in next year’s Senedd elections.
Ms Williams, who holds the constituency seat for Brecon and Radnorshire was first elected to the then-Welsh Assembly in 1999.
“After much reflection, I have decided not to stand as a candidate in the next election,” she said.
Kirsty Williams is highly-regarded and seen as being perhaps the ablest of the current Welsh Cabinet.
Her departure from the Senedd in May could spark a Cabinet reshuffle by Mark Drakeford.
Mrs Williams said: “There is of course sadness in making this decision, but also a strong sense of pride. Above all else, I’d like to thank the people of Brecon and Radnorshire for their support over the last two decades.”
Writing to her local constituency party, Kirsty Williams said: “Next May it will have been 22 years since I was first elected to represent the people of Brecon and Radnorshire.
“The local party, and then the constituency, placed its trust in me – a young, female, Welsh Liberal Democrat, new to elected politics and for our new parliament. It remains the proudest day of my political career.
“And for us to keep winning and keep achieving for our community, has been the honour of my life.
“To be the parliamentarian for Brecon and Radnorshire and in Powys is not to own the seat or constituency, it is to be a steward of it – following in the footsteps of Welsh Liberal giants and hopefully being able to pass on and support another generation.
“I know that my pride in being the first female leader of a Welsh political party was shared locally and nationally, and I hope it was a small inspiration to others. Working with my party colleagues in the Senedd, we worked diligently to hold the Government to account.
“Despite being an opposition party, we turned campaigns into policies that changed lives across the country.
“This included the introduction of the Nurse Staffing Levels Act and the Pupil Development Grant which continues to support our most disadvantaged pupils.”
Kirsty Williams said it had been “an immense honour to serve my country as Education Minister”.
“Every day I have been inspired and uplifted by the shared commitment across the country to be ambitious for all our learners,” she said.
“‘Our national mission’ has been the biggest programme of education reform since the Second World War. It has been a nation-wide collective endeavour.
“The support I’ve received from civil servants, private office, and Ministerial colleagues has been invaluable and unstinting.
“Over the last four years, we have fought to raise standards for all children, to reduce the attainment gap and to get some pride and confidence back into Welsh education. Working together,
our improved performance in national and international assessments, radical student support changes and investment in teachers, is proof that education is truly Wales’s national mission. Being
the family of a politician is never easy. I must thank my husband and three wonderful daughters for the patience, and at times resilience, that they have shown over these years.
“My late parents started the interest in politics and current affairs with lively debate around the kitchen table, and I know they would be proud of how their granddaughters are already strong independent women with their own opinions!
“It is with them in mind that, after a great deal of thought and reflection, I have decided not to stand as a candidate at the next Senedd election. The next candidate, and the Welsh Liberal Democrats, will have my abiding support and I will be out there campaigning as ever.
“There is, of course, sadness in making this decision, but also with a sense of achievement and pride. Above all else, I would like to thank the people of Brecon and Radnorshire for their support over the last two decades. Diolch o Galon. I may be biased, but I am in no doubt that our constituency is truly the greatest anyone could have the privilege of representing.”
Education
Children learn how delicious potatoes are produced locally in Pembrokeshire

SCHOOL children from across Pembrokeshire, aged from five to 16, learnt how the food produced locally is delicious and nutritious during a highly successful ‘Food Story / Stori Bwyd’ event, held by the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society.
During the event potato, dairy, sheep and poultry farmers from all over the county volunteered their time to talk to the children and give hands-on demonstrations. They explained to the children how they produce potatoes, dairy products, eggs and meat. They also demonstrated how they farm sustainably, look after local wildlife and how they care for the countryside.
The event was held on the Pembrokeshire County Showground and the focus was on potato growing, production and supply. The children also got the opportunity to taste locally produced jacket potatoes with a variety of toppings cooked perfectly and served by staff from Castell Howell.
Kathy Wilson, a former teacher and now an Honorary Pembrokeshire Show Governor, organised the event on behalf of the Society’s Food Story / Stori Bwyd. She said, “I would like to say a massive thank you to each and every one of the volunteers and who took two days out from their busy work on the farm to come and talk to the children and demonstrate how they produce food and drink. A big thanks also to the local providers who contributed to the event. The smiles on the faces of the children said it all, they listened intently, enthusiastically took part in the demonstrations and the teachers took resources back with them to their schools to continue the learning.
“One of the important elements of Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society’s work is educational and spreading the word around the county about how local food is produced by farmers. Everyone enjoyed eating the jacket potatoes after they had learnt how hard the farmers work to produce them.”
As well as food production, the event was an opportunity to teach the children about the seasonality of what farmers produce locally and how the weather and climate affects the work farmers do as well as the different food groups and healthy eating.
Adam Thorne, Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society’s President was one of the farmers who volunteered their time to talk to school children at the event. He said, “The Society would like to thank Kathy Wilson and Jo in the show office for all the hours they have put in to organise this magnificent event. To see how much the children enjoyed learning how their food is produced through hands-on demonstrations is heart warming.”
Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society would like to thank NFU Mutual Pembrokeshire, the CLA Charitable Trust and Women in Wales, for their financial support. Thanks also to the Camrose Vintage Working Day for their support as well as the NFU, Wales Farm Safety and Puffin Produce for providing educational resources and buckets for the schools and pupils.
Food Story volunteers will be at the County Show on 20 and 21 August 2025 with an interactive display and demonstrations for children to have fun and take part in to learn where their food comes from.
Education
Pembrokeshire College learners inspired by St Fagans museum visit

LEARNERS from the UAL Level 3 & 4 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design course at Pembrokeshire College recently embarked on an enriching cultural study visit to St Fagans National Museum of History, Cardiff. The visit provided an invaluable opportunity for learners to gather source material, which they later developed into creative works through screen printing workshops back at the College.
The outdoor museum features a remarkable collection of relocated and reconstructed historical buildings from across Wales, spanning a variety of time periods. The immersive experience allowed learners to engage with diverse architectural styles, objects, and environments, deepening their understanding of Welsh cultural heritage.
Inside the museum, learners explored artefacts showcasing traditional crafts such as weaving, embroidery, pottery, wood carving, blacksmithing, and furniture-making, all of which highlight the richness of Welsh cultural identity both past and present.
The visit coincided with temporary exhibitions. ‘The Wool Coat’ project, for instance, explored sustainability and cultural heritage through the repurposing of Welsh blankets into contemporary garments. This project also involved the independent Cardiff-based printmaking studio ‘Printhaus,’ which designed screen printed lining fabrics. Learners were particularly engaged by the project’s social impact, as it also provided sewing skills to immigrants in Cardiff to help with workplace integration. Issues of sustainability, re-use, culture, traditional skills and immigration were addressed through this multi-faceted project.
Another art installation explored colonialism featuring furniture once owned by ‘Clive of India,’ the installation highlighted the powerful role of visual artists in raising awareness of injustice and driving cultural change. Adding to the dynamic experience, learners witnessed the film industry in action as a production team adapted historic buildings and filmed scenes for ‘Young Sherlock,’ offering a fascinating glimpse into how historical settings can be reimagined for contemporary storytelling.
Back in the College print workshop, learners translated their observations into a collaborative screen-printed banner. They explored both hand-stencil and photographic exposure techniques to create a bold visual response to their visit. The final design reflected elements of the day’s experience, incorporating imagery gathered through drawing and photography.
A highlight of the visit was the warm praise from members of the public, who sought out staff to commend the learners on their conduct, their consideration for others and their interest in and engagement with the Museum and staff members.
We are incredibly proud of our learners and their ability to translate this inspiring experience into innovative artistic outcomes in such a short period of time. Their visit to St Fagans has not only expanded their creative practice but also deepened their appreciation for Welsh cultural heritage and the role of art in shaping contemporary discourse.
This impressive banner is now proudly on display in the College’s atrium.

Education
Emerging career opportunities for Gen-Z in Wales’ evolving job market

Certain regions like Wales hold strong promises for sustainable careers. This is because as technology evolves, so too does the job market. Today, Gen Zs looking for stable and rewarding careers can find opportunities in different emerging fields.
Emerging job opportunities in healthcare
Healthcare is one area that still presents lots of opportunities for Gen Z, despite a rapidly changing job climate and ever-evolving AI technologies. From traditional roles like nurses to more modern, tech-driven positions, the list is endless. Here are some of the more popular opportunities.
Pharmacist
The roles of pharmacists in any nation, city, or neighbourhood are still relevant today. These individuals are needed everywhere because they work hand in hand with healthcare professionals like doctors to help patients. Wales offers many opportunities for Gen Z individuals, as they could work in both independent and community pharmacies, hospitals, or even academic research institutions.
Nurse
The roles of nurses range from providing medical support to caring for patients. Nursing roles in Wales are abundant, as private healthcare providers, public hospitals, and educational institutions are ready to accept nurses. Typically, academic training and certification are necessary to become a full-fledged nurse in Wales.
Nurses in Wales earn between £30,000 and £50,000 per year, with most opting for hourly rate pay.
Biotech and pharmaceutical research
Imagine being the mastermind behind the world’s next revolutionary medicine. Such is the potential of young scholars and researchers in biotech and pharmaceutical research in Wales.
Wales has a growing biotech industry, with several internationally recognised research facilities. Even the academia for this industry is world class. So, it’s easy to see how Gen Zs can easily pursue and obtain a successful career in this field.
Therapist
Gen Zs can also explore careers in therapy, including physical therapy, speech therapy, and psychological therapy. These roles offer meaningful opportunities to make a positive impact on people’s lives and demand a human touch that can’t be easily replaced by AI.
However, the steep learning curve and medical certification involved drive most Gen Zs to other less demanding career paths.
Emerging job opportunities in data and technology
Wales offers many opportunities in this field thanks to the never-ending innovations in data and technology.
Data analyst
Data analysts are among the major, high-demand remote careers in Wales. This community of multiple industries and businesses presents a huge need for these experts. Usually, all a person needs to enter this career path is mastery of data analysis tools like SQL, Excel, Python, and Power Bl.
However, a degree in related fields like mathematics, statistics, and ICT technology can also be a plus, especially when seeking opportunities in top-tier private organisations like BAIN&COMPANY.
Gaming
The gaming industry has evolved from mere entertainment to a massive income generator. The BBC reports that there are about 100 gaming companies in Wales, and more than 35,000 people are employed in creative industries.
Generally, opportunities like gaming content creation have proven very lucrative for Gen Zs, thanks to platforms like Twitch and YouTube, which allow gamers to monetise their gameplay.
However, in Wales, more profitable opportunities exist, like Esports and game development. Numerous startups in Wales work on developing next-generation video games, providing surplus job roles from game testers to programmers, artists, designers, and so on. And then there’s ESports or competitive gaming, where Welsh pro gamers can participate and win massive cash prizes.
Software developer
A software developer designs and maintains software apps. According to sources, software developers make around £38,611 per year in Wales.
In Wales, there are multiple tech companies and startups ready to employ these developers. There are also opportunities in sectors like public health and e-government. Furthermore, software developers in Wales can work remotely for companies at home and abroad or sell their services as freelancers.
Emerging job opportunities in blockchain and defi
Here are some of the emerging job opportunities that Gen Zs in Wales are seizing daily.
Crypto Trader
A modern-day tech skill that Gen Zs have successfully developed a career in is crypto trading. Crypto assets are new but exciting and have made many young people millionaires in this decade.
Investors do not need a certificate or degree before venturing into this financial market but will need to take courses to maximise their profits fully.
Influencer/brand ambassador
A fairly quick and easy career for Gen Zs to enter into is social media influencing and brand ambassadorship. Thanks to social media and the internet, Gen Zs with a strong social media presence in Wales can partner with both local and foreign brands for deals and partnerships. These deals are easy to find in the blockchain world (crypto, NFTs, etc.), as startups need such young influencers to bring visibility to their brands/products.
Although this career path isn’t traditional, it can be very lucrative. According to reports, influencers earn over £50,000 per year on average. Meanwhile, mega influencers can easily rake in millions per year from brand deals and sponsorships.
A bright future for Gen Z in Wales
There’s a strong job market in Wales for Gen Zs of all ages. Young professionals can build future-proof careers in any of the mentioned paths in this article. More importantly, opportunities exist for individuals seeking remote and hybrid roles.
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