Wrexham students got the chance to quiz a Welsh Assembly Member during a question and answer session at their college.
Clwyd South AM Ken Skates was put on the spot by a health and social care class at Coleg Cambria’s Grove Park campus on Friday (May 23).
During the visit Mr Skates, who is also the Welsh Government’s Deputy Minister for Technology and Skills, was asked about politics and the importance of voting following the previous day’s European elections.
He also talked about employability skills and how the Welsh Labour Government is tackling youth unemployment through apprenticeships and Jobs Growth Wales, which has created more than 12,400 paid work opportunities for 16 to 24-year-olds, including more than 800 in Wrexham and Denbighshire.
Mr Skates said: “I had a great time chatting to the learners and discussing a wide range of topics, and it was fantastic to meet and engage with so many enthusiastic, grounded and knowledgeable young people.
“I love doing question and answer-type sessions as they’re a great way of engaging with students but I also really enjoy them. Politics plays a role in everyone’s life every day, and I think it’s important that young people get to ask me – and others who represent them – about what we do and how it affects them.”
Tutor Wendy Fowler said the group were all aged between 16 and 19 and hope to progress to careers in education or the healthcare sector.
She added: “Ken is a very eloquent and inspiring speaker, and both my learners and I thoroughly enjoyed the session.
“The students gained a great deal of insight into many of the current issues facing young people in Wales and, perhaps more importantly, talk about aspiring to be the best you can be regardless of age, gender, culture and background.”
