Latest news with #SkillsandSocialPartnership
North Wales Live
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Live
'My memories of Theatr Clwyd in Mold and hopes for the future'
My first visit to Theatr Clwyd was as a primary school pupil experiencing live theatre for the first time. I was blown away that we had such a facility in Flintshire, writes Jack Sargeant, now Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership. When I visited in a hard hat back in January, the main theatre was nearing completion and excitement for the coming months was building. So it was fantastic to be back again last weekend, standing outside the transformed building watching representatives of the 300 local community groups who meet in the theatre perform and celebrating with them the £50m redevelopment of a north Wales cultural institution. What I enjoyed most was everyone there had a story about what the theatre means to them. The full re-opening of the building is happening gradually. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now The curtains have raised and fallen on the first in-house production for the new-look theatre, and the unveiling of the restaurant and bar (in partnership with Welsh chef Bryn Williams) will happen over the next few weeks. But it's already impossible not to be impressed by renowned architects' Haworth Tompkins' redesign that makes the most of the theatre's hilltop setting. Since being appointed Culture Minister, I have stressed that every person in Wales should have the right to access, create, participate in, and see themselves reflected in the cultural activity of our nation. This is what Theatr Clwyd has always delivered and our investment will only build on this legacy. What struck me on Saturday was the variety and diversity of the groups who call this building home. The community members attending were aged between nine and 95 and represented a fraction of the 6,840 people with whom the theatre's creative engagement team work every year. On completion the redeveloped building will see more beneficiaries from this outstanding programme with dedicated spaces for increased referral work with NHS, Social Services, housing associations and local refugee charities. There will also be increased facilities for heart Clwyd Music Trust through whom over 3,000 pupils every week, across 74 schools in Flintshire, are learning to play a musical instrument. This is important to Theatr Clwyd, and it's important to me and to the Welsh Government, which is why we've invested over £26m to secure the future of this flagship national arts venue whose doors are wide open to the local community. It's vital that young people are given a gateway to culture from an early age. As I said earlier, for me - and thousands of fellow North Walians - Theatr Clwyd was our first introduction to live theatre. I also remember how proud I felt as an eight-year-old going with my Ysgol Bryn Deva classmates to watch our own film (about a missing guinea pig) being screened in the theatre to celebrate Welsh Cinema Day. Once work is complete, Theatr Clwyd will be a sustainable building: completely fossil fuel and gas free and able to harvest solar energy and rainwater from its external walls and roofs. It is also going to help sustain the local creative workforce, creating a minimum of 100 additional permanent jobs and tripling its economic contribution to north-east Wales (estimated to reach over £20 million per year following the redevelopment). I haven't even begun to talk about the extra training and apprenticeship opportunities for the tourism, hospitality and theatre sectors. We should be proud of the top tier arts venue we have on our doorstep. Proud, and expectant. Because the new look Theatr Clwyd will be the setting for first-time cultural experiences, community action and world-class productions for generations to come.
Business News Wales
27-06-2025
- 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.
