Welsh Government support set to transform skills in Pembrokeshire

A Flexible Skills Programme initiative, set up by the Welsh Government in response to the closure of the Murco refinery in Milford Haven will safeguard 170 jobs, create 62 new posts and reskill over 200 people, according to an early forecast.

The Murco Transform Skills Programme was established as a rapid response to assist Murco contractors and supply chain businesses following the closure of the refinery in 2014. The programme aims to help employers to diversify their workforce skills, take advantage of new opportunities and exploit new markets and sectors.

Under the programme, eligible employers were invited between February and June 2015 to apply for funding and the support of a Workforce Development Advisor who then worked with them to identify business training and development needs and devise bespoke training plans.

The programme is set to help businesses in Pembrokeshire win new contracts in sectors such as renewables, oil and gas, and ensure they are in a strong position to compete for a range of large infrastructure investments in Wales over the coming years.  In total, Welsh Government funding of £130,000 has been granted to reskill over 200 people.

Minister for Economy, Science and Transport, Edwina Hart said:

“The closure of the Murco refinery was a devastating blow to those employed directly and the many local companies in the supply chain. The Murco Transform Skills Programme is a vital part of our efforts to help people back into work and support the recovery of the local economy.”

Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, Julie James, added:

“It is becoming increasingly clear that Welsh employers need a diverse skills base to take advantage of new opportunities on the horizon.

“This programme is a great example of how we are swiftly and effectively responding to the needs of Welsh employers. The Murco Transform Skills Programme will support the retention of Pembrokeshire’s talent pool and specialist skills to meet future skills needs.”

Jeff Harries, Managing Director of Mainport Engineering commented:

“The benefits have been incredible, from start to finish, the process has allowed us to identify the avenues that were available to us to offer additional training to key personnel within our organisation. Without this opportunity and the support of the Murco TSP programme we would not have been in a position to have carried out this training, and to this end we cannot thank enough the whole team within the Welsh Government that are assigned to this programme for all of their help, assistance and guidance throughout the whole process”.