A £7.5m scheme to help over 5,000 workers in North Wales gain new skills and drive forward productivity in the workplace is being announced by Deputy Minister for Science, Innovation and Skills, Lesley Griffiths yesterday (28 March 2011).
Y Dyfodol – which means The Future – will be led by Coleg Llandrillo Cymru, in partnership with Coleg Menai, Deeside College and Coleg Harlech, targeting employees and businesses across Conwy, Denbighshire, Gwynedd and Anglesey.
Aimed at helping up to 800 businesses to boost performance, the scheme will offer company training needs analysis as well as sector specific training and development for staff. Accredited qualifications will also be offered up to and including Level 3, as well as short courses and NVQs.
Backed with £4.6m from the European Social Fund through the Welsh Assembly Government, support will be focused on businesses operating within the six key growth sectors identified in the Economic Renewal policy, including the digital and low carbon economies, advanced engineering and manufacturing, creative industries, biosciences and financial services.
Lesley Griffiths said,
“Investing in skills is vital for the success and growth of these sectors. A workforce with the relevant skills is essential to drive forward performance and productivity to ensure that Wales can derive the maximum economic and cultural benefits.”
Coleg Llandrillo Cymru’s Director of Enterprise and Participation, Derwena Watkin, said,
“We are delighted to have secured funding for this major initiative which will have a real and major impact on the local economy. We are looking forward to working with our partner colleges, employers and business organisations to provide a wealth of opportunities for people across North Wales.”
The first company to sign up to the scheme is MWT Civil Engineering, providing construction and support services from it’s base in Llysfaen, Colwyn Bay.
The company undertakes major civil engineering works and infrastructure projects through to smaller drainage solutions for individual properties, working across a comprehensive range of market sectors.
Managing Director, Mike Thomas, has identified a number of areas where his employees can benefit from Y Dyfodol.
“Safety performance, environmental awareness and a quality end product are as important to us as they are to prospective customers. The Dyfodol project will enable us to continue to qualify staff in these key areas, enabling the business to compete for more business and allow employees access to further qualifications and new skills”.
For more information on accessing support, call Gill Bradshaw at Coleg Llandrillo Cymru’s Business Solutions Centre on 0845 450 59 60.
