Face-to-face training replaced with online resources in decision branded a ‘slap in the face’ for Wales

A LONG-RUNNING Welsh digital education programme that has trained thousands of teachers and pupils every year is facing an uncertain future after Welsh Government funding was cut and redirected to an English university.

Technocamps, a Swansea University-based project which has operated across Wales for twenty-two years, has described the decision as a major blow to digital skills development, with staff already losing jobs and schools left without in-person support.

Instead of renewing Technocamps’ funding, ministers have awarded £1.4 million under the Curriculum for Wales Grant Support Programme to the University of York to deliver mainly online learning resources, with only limited face-to-face sessions in what are described as “priority areas”.

Critics say the move risks replacing hands-on, bilingual classroom support with generic remote materials.

Each year Technocamps provides direct training to more than 900 teachers and delivers workshops to over 30,000 young people in schools across Wales, working face-to-face with pupils to improve coding, computing and digital literacy.

The programme has been widely credited with helping schools meet the growing demands of the Curriculum for Wales and tackling shortages in specialist computing skills.

‘Bitter disappointment’

Plaid Cymru MS Sioned Williams, who represents South Wales West, said she had met the Technocamps team again this month and would be writing to the Cabinet Secretary for Education seeking answers.

She said: “The necessity of good quality, face-to-face digital skills training has never been more important in this digital age.

“I’ve seen firsthand how engaging and effective a Technocamps workshop is and what makes this programme so great is that it is made in Wales, delivered bilingually through our network of universities and is able to reach every school and teacher.

“That’s why the news that Welsh Government has cut funding is so bitterly disappointing.

“At a time when Welsh universities are in financial crisis, it’s an additional slap in the face that what little funding has been allocated has gone to a university in England.”

Jobs lost across Wales

Beti Williams MBE, the programme’s founder and patron, said the funding decision had already resulted in redundancies.

She said: “The end of Technocamps funding has led to the unemployment of teacher trainers at universities across Wales, leaving nearly 1,000 school teachers who rely on our bespoke in-person training and support in limbo.

“Replacing Technocamps with predominantly standard online courses is an insult to Welsh universities. Online courses, of which there is unlimited choice, offer nothing to struggling teachers who rely on tailored, face-to-face help.”

A petition calling for funding to be restored has gathered more than 4,000 signatures and is now being considered by the Senedd Petitions Committee.

Questions over value for money

The decision has also raised questions about value for money.

According to supporters, the £1.4m grant awarded to York is almost double Technocamps’ previous annual funding, yet delivers fewer in-person services.

There are also concerns that only seven per cent of the wider Curriculum for Wales grant funding over the next three years is allocated to science and technology subjects.

Education campaigners warn that reducing practical support in computing and digital technology could widen skills gaps at a time when Wales is trying to attract high-tech industries and improve economic productivity.

Digital divide fears

Teachers have long argued that in-person training is essential, particularly for schools with limited IT expertise or rural connectivity challenges.

Technocamps staff say online-only provision risks leaving some schools behind.

Ms Williams added: “It’s so important that we keep this crucial skills and knowledge in Wales. The thought that we could lose this valuable resource makes no sense at a time when the need for digital competency has never been greater.”

Welsh Government has been asked to explain why the funding was awarded outside Wales and whether the impact on Welsh university jobs and school support was assessed before the decision was made.

Community mural project earns Wales title and trip to London finals

A GROUP of young people from Haverfordwest High School are celebrating a major achievement after being crowned Wales country final winners at the King’s Trust Awards 2026.

The students secured the JD Foundation Community Impact Award and will now represent Wales at the King’s Trust National Awards in London.

The award recognises an outstanding community project delivered through the King’s Trust Achieve Programme, a Key Stage four GCSE option offered at the school and delivered locally by Pembrokeshire Youth Service.

Led by school-based youth worker Ell Lewis, the programme supports pupils who may find traditional academic routes challenging, including those facing emotional, social or caring responsibilities.

As part of their Community Impact project, the group identified a vandalised pedestrian tunnel in Haverfordwest that is used daily by students travelling to and from school. Determined to improve the space, they worked together to design and paint a large-scale mural celebrating wellbeing, identity and local pride.

The once run-down underpass has now been transformed into a colourful and welcoming feature, drawing praise from residents and passers-by.

Community members described the artwork as uplifting and inspiring, with many noting the positive difference it has made to young people using the route each day.

One participant said: “This project is our legacy. We’ve created something lasting that represents who we are and where we come from. It’s amazing what a cup of tea and a conversation can lead to.”

Mr Lewis said the benefits extended far beyond the finished mural.

He said: “Beyond its physical impact, the project has helped the young people build confidence, teamwork, leadership and communication skills. Their courage, resilience and ambition can’t be faulted. I am incredibly proud of them. All members of the group have since progressed into further education or employment.”

The students secured funding through the Pembrokeshire Youth Bank Grant and received support from local businesses including GD Harris & Sons. They also worked with local councillors, the local authority and local artist Lloyd Griffiths.

Additional funds were raised through school-led activities including bake sales and raffles.

The group will now travel to London to compete in the national finals, representing both their school and Pembrokeshire on a national stage.

Cover photo:

Proud moment: Members of the Haverfordwest High School group at the Wales King’s Trust Awards ceremony (Pic: Supplied).

THE SPOTLIGHT will be on the Senedd election in May and the development ofa new Apprenticeship Programme for Wales, starting in August 2027, when work-based learning practitioners gather for their annual conference in March.

‘Shaping Skills for a New Era’ is the theme of the conference organised by the National Training Federation for Wales (NTFW), which represents work-based learning providers across the country, at Cardiff City Stadium on March 10.

Bookings are now open for the conference which marks a pivotal moment for the future of apprenticeships, with the Senedd election and the next phase of the new apprenticeship programme on the horizon.

“The strength of our sector lies in collaboration,” said Lisa Mytton, NTFW strategic director. “By bringing providers, employers and stakeholders together, we can design a future-ready apprenticeship programme that responds to industry needs, supports learners from every background, and builds a resilient workforce for a changing world.”

There will be speakers from Medr, the tertiary education regulator in Wales, Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol, Cavendish Cymru, Agored Cymru – conference headline sponsor, and City & Guilds.

Cavendish Cymru will preview how the Senedd will change following the May 7 election, review recent polling and speculate about the likely composition of the new Welsh Government.

“Agored Cymru is delighted to continue its headline sponsorship of the NTFW Conference,” said Darren Howells, Agored Cymru chief executive. “By creating world class bilingual vocational qualifications and apprenticeship frameworks, it is our aim to drive economic growth and ensure the future skills needs in Wales are met through engagement, foresight and innovation.

“We are proud to work with such committed and passionate providers to ensure individuals, whatever their background or circumstances, have the knowledge and skills to achieve their career aspirations and to contribute to a prosperous and thriving economy.”

Delegates will also be able to participate in a series of eight workshops, including the future Apprenticeship Programme for Wales, which will be run by Medr. They will hear about key projects that are shaping the programme to be more responsive when addressing skills priorities for a changing economy.

In their workshop, Qualifications Wales will explore how to build meaningful, sustained relationships with employers, so that post-16 vocational regulated qualifications are matched to the evolving skills needed.

Resilient Futures Coach will lead an interactive workshop, giving practitioners a set of resilience-boosting tools they can use for themselves and with their learners, while Careers Wales will explore how impartial careers guidance empowers young people to make informed decisions about their future.

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) reshapes skills across Wales, apprenticeships are on the frontline. Jisc’s workshop theme is ‘AI and skills for the future Welsh workforce’.

The Education Workforce Council will explore the role of professional registration and regulation in work-based learning, Estyn will explore literacy and numeracy skills support for apprentices and Regional Skills Partnership chairs will share the latest regional intelligence, emerging skills priorities and future plans.