£3.7m EU-backed project to develop the workforce of over 100 businesses in South West Wales

Finance and Government Business Minister, Jane Hutt, has announced £2.4m EU funds to develop the skills of employees in over 100 businesses in South West Wales.

Led by the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, the £3.7m Growing Workforces through Learning and Development (Gwlad) project will deliver accredited work-based learning programmes to support the ongoing professional development of over 550 employees in the region.

Businesses in Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, Swansea, Neath Port Talbot can register to take part in the project.

People taking part will be supported to improve their skills and productivity in a range of business areas and achieve higher education qualifications in professional practice.

The project also aims to improve the performance of the 100 participating businesses through the up-skilling of staff and the adoption of strategies introduced through the learning programmes.

Finance Minister, Jane Hutt, said:

“Around £350 million of EU funds are being invested in Wales over the next five years to raise skills and drive productivity in workplaces, enabling more people to progress in their careers and achieve higher earnings.

“This new EU investment will boost the prospects of hundreds of people working in South West Wales, and is excellent news for the region’s business community and another positive example of the benefits of UK membership of the European Union.”

In addition to the £2.4m EU funds, the three-year project has been part-funded by the University of Wales Trinity Saint David and a contribution of over £500,000 from the private sector.

Professor Medwin Hughes, Vice Chancellor of the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, said:

“This is a very exciting project that will enable the University to make a real difference to the workforce across South West Wales, by offering tailored work-based courses that meet the needs of the region’s employers.

“The EU funding invested in the University will allow us to work with a range of industries, adding value to businesses by developing flexible, responsive, accredited higher education programmes that will improve skill levels, grow the knowledge economy and increase productivity levels throughout the area.”

The project has received backing from a range of businesses in the region, including leading independent food wholesaler, Castell Howell.

HR Director, Mike Davies, added:

“Castell Howell is delighted to continue our relationship with the University of Wales Trinity Saint David and we look forward to participating in this new project.

“We have already seen significant benefits to staff development and business improvements from previous EU funded training programmes. This new project will allow our staff to develop essential skills to assist in their personal development and will no doubt have significant overall benefits for the company.”