Boost vocational learning to upskill the Welsh workforce

The Welsh Conservative Shadow Secretary for Skills, Mohammad Asghar, has called for an end to the Welsh Government’s “one-size-fits-all” approach to education and training.

Speaking in the Senedd, he challenged the Minister for Skills & Science to boost vocational training opportunities to drive up skills levels in the Welsh workforce, particularly in the most disadvantaged areas.

Mr Asghar called on the Minister to work with businesses and colleges to encourage more collaborative working.

He said:

“Unemployment in our most disadvantaged areas remains stubbornly high. Improving the skills of the Welsh people will lead to a more prosperous society with higher rates of employment, lower levels of poverty and will reduce inequality.

“We know that the skills in the Welsh workforce lag behind, not only the most prosperous regions of the UK, but also the world’s most advanced economies.

“That’s why it’s so important that the Welsh Government takes steps to encourage more collaborative working between businesses and the education system to build skill levels and promote choice for learners.

“We must end this one-size-fits-all approach to education, and recognise that apprenticeships and other vocational streams can better suit people who learn best in a practical setting.”