Latest news with #FlexibleSkillsProgramme
Business News Wales
2 days ago
- Business
- Business News Wales
Investing in Skills is Investing in Wales' Future
In a world where industries are evolving rapidly and technology continues to reshape how we live, learn and work, the most valuable asset we have in Wales is our people. As Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership, I understand how access to the right training at the right time can strengthen businesses, improve job prospects, and support a more resilient economy. I have a very personal insight into how we train the next generation of workers. I am a time-served engineer who trained and worked in advanced manufacturing, and I will always bring this experience to the table when looking at how we support learners and employers. The Flexible Skills Programme is one of the Welsh Government's most effective tools for supporting that ambition. Employers can access up to 50% of the accredited training costs, up to a maximum of £50,000 per application. From digital and cyber skills to engineering, and green technologies, and more, the programme gives Welsh businesses the support and flexibility to choose training that helps them upskill staff, boost retention, and adapt and grow in an ever-changing landscape. We know that these needs are pressing. In early 2025, the British Chambers of Commerce found that one in five firms had reduced their training budgets, citing financial pressures and competing priorities as challenges. These trends are particularly concerning for SMEs, which often face the greatest barriers to upskilling their workforce. By funding up to 50% of the accredited training costs, the Flexible Skills Programme helps ease the financial pressures and unlock new commercial opportunities. For SMEs in particular, this support can be transformative. Over the past two years, the programme has supported more than 8,000 training grants. With increased investment – from £1.3m to over £7.5million this year – even more individuals and businesses will be able to benefit, especially in skill areas that are critical to Wales' future economy and Net Zero goals. And while many Welsh organisations are increasing their focus on green technologies, 45% report lacking the confidence and skills to implement them effectively. This presents a clear opportunity for the Flexible Skills Programme to bridge the gap and equip our workforce with those critical skills. By developing a more capable workforce, businesses can increase productivity, improve efficiency, and boost staff confidence. In turn, this opens up new opportunities for innovation, service development, and market expansion. Broadening your team's capabilities will ensure both your staff and your business are equipped to meet the demands of tomorrow's economy. We've already seen this in action across Wales. Bisley, a Newport-based manufacturer long known for its steel storage solutions, has used the Flexible Skills Programme to support its expansion into wood furniture and digital design. The funding helped upskill staff in new technical areas, boosting agility, leadership, and productivity. With support from Business Wales, Bisley has adapted to changing customer needs, retained talent, and positioned itself for growth. It's a strong example of how investing in people can drive innovation and long-term success. The support also ensures that employees are not left behind as industries evolve. Whether someone is looking to move into a new role, take on more responsibility, or simply stay current in their field of work, having the opportunity to reskill or upskill is crucial. We want to create a workforce that is ready for the future and give businesses the tools they need to help people shape their careers. The Flexible Skills Programme is helping to build a stronger, more inclusive Welsh economy. It addresses the skills gap in our current workforce and supports both businesses and employees to thrive. If you're an employer in Wales looking to strengthen your team, I encourage you to explore what the Flexible Skills Programme can offer. It is a smart investment in your people, your business, and the future of the Welsh economy. Search 'Business Wales Flexible Skills Programme' to find out more.
South Wales Argus
03-06-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Letter: Newport not at forefront of industrial revolution
It was mainly private money that was the impetus, not like the nationalisation and never-ending government subsidies that have continued and are still continuing since the end of the Second World War. Although I concede that of necessity, at that time governments had to be involved with the restart of the economy. I note that the Welsh Government has an investment, or should that be another subsidy, of £7.5 million in their Flexible Skills Programme (Argus 22nd May) for training courses. Why aren't companies training more apprentices instead of relying on the taxpayers to fund those schemes? Perhaps Jessica Morden and her fellow Labour politicians should start asking, although they might not hear the answers they want, bearing in mind the present occupiers of Westminster. Newport
Business News Wales
21-05-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Flexible Skills Programme Expands to Plug Skills Gap
Accredited training opportunities in Wales are set to see an almost six-fold increase in the amount of subsidy available. The Welsh Government increasing its investment in the Flexible Skills Programme from £1.3 million a year to more than £7.5 million. Support will be in place for employees to take advantage of thousands of individual places on upskilling or re-skilling training courses. The expansion follows increasing demand from Welsh employers for support to develop employees' skills in response to changing industries and new technologies. There will be a particular focus on supporting key sectors and needed skills such as Engineering and Manufacturing; Digital/Cyber; green skills; and leadership and management. Any employer can apply for the grant, which is designed to help businesses quickly respond to skills gaps with the Welsh Government paying 50% of business training costs (up to £50,000 per business per year). The expanded scheme was launched during Learning at Work week at IQ Endoscopes (IQE), a pioneering medical device startup that has seen first-hand what a difference the funding can make. IQE is about to place its first device onto the UK market – an affordable, sterile, and sustainable endoscope solution that will enable rapid early diagnosis to help reduce patient waiting times and help people live longer and healthier lives. The Flexible Skills Programme has enabled it to support over 170 individual technical or leadership and management training opportunities for its staff over the past two years. Gemma Banks, HR Manager at IQE said: 'Being a small company it can sometimes be hard to attract certain levels of experience and talent within the business, but we've been able to offer people additional training which has then meant we've covered a real skills gap and real need within the business at a pre-emptive time before it's become a problem.' Shaun O'Connell, an Engineering technician at IQE, recently completed CoSHH, ISH and Control of Hazardous Substances training through the programme. He said: 'The training has provided me with numerous opportunities to grow within my role and I'm now managing all the hazardous substances we use and ensuring the lab safety handbook is consistently up to date. It's made the lab much safer and a more effective place to work.' Skills Minister Jack Sargeant said: 'Having supported over 8,000 training interventions in the last two years, I am excited about the impact a greatly expanded Flexible Skills Programme could have in the future. 'The programme's success is down to our ambitious Welsh businesses investing in themselves to up skill their workforce. We are determined to do all we can to support their ambition and develop the skills needed for future success. 'As we prepare to host a major international investment summit in Wales later this year, the expanded scheme also strengthens our offer for companies looking to invest here.'
South Wales Argus
16-05-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Welsh Government announces expansion of training programme
This brings their investment through the Flexible Skills Programme from £1.3 million a year to more than £7.5 million. The increased funding is intended to support employees with thousands of opportunities for upskill or reskill training courses. The aim is to fulfil the First Minister's ambition to create a future Wales driven by jobs and green growth. The focus will be on key sectors such as engineering, manufacturing, and digital/cyber, and includes critical skills like green skills, leadership and management. Employers across all sectors can apply for the grant, which is designed to quickly address skills shortages, with the Welsh Government paying 50 per cent of business training costs, capped at £50,000 per business per year. The expansion of the programme was announced at the beginning of Learning at Work week on May 12. Skills Minister Jack Sargeant said: "Having supported over 8,000 training interventions in the last two years, I am excited about the impact a greatly expanded Flexible Skills Programme could have in the future." "The programme's success is down to our ambitious Welsh businesses investing in themselves to upskill their workforce. "We are determined to do all we can to support their ambition and develop the skills needed for future success." The expansion will also serve to strengthen the government's offering to companies looking to invest in Wales, ahead of an international investment summit later this year.
