Simon Thomas AM
A Cardiff conference of educationalists and policy professionals from across Wales heard Plaid Cymru’s vision for 14 to 19 education after the 2016 Welsh General Election.
Mid and West AM Simon Thomas gave a key note speech on options for the future of 14 – 19 education in Wales to the Policy Forum for Wales in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Cardiff.
Shadow Education and Skills Minister for the Party of Wales Simon Thomas said:
“Historically, as our economy has developed and the need for higher level skills increased, the age at which it is seen as essential for our young people to stay in full time education or training has crept up. The school leaving age was last raised in 1972 from 14 to 16. England is raising the school leaving age to 18 in 2015.
“Today I am announcing that a Plaid Cymru government would also raise the school leaving age in Wales.
“In reality of course this does not mean recalcitrant 17 year olds holding teachers to ransom. Rather we would legislate so that until 18 the expectation would be for a young person to be in school, college, training, apprenticeships, and employment with training or similar setting.
“Nationally, this means finding placements for an additional 12% of young people.
I recognise however that some may find such settings difficult. This is why Plaid Cymru is also interested in developing a Citizen Service for Wales.
“I have been working with Andy Bevan, who has recently published through the Institute of Welsh Affairs a discussion paper on creating a Citizen Service for Wales.
He proposes a 9-12 month accredited programme open to 18-25 year olds working at or above national minimum wage in the public, private or third sectors.
“I support this in principle for the older cohort but also feel the same could possibly be extended down to the post-16 age group to target those who are not benefitting from what is currently available.
“Whichever way it is done, no young person under 19 in Wales should be kicking their heels with no prospects, no qualifications and no hope. We would change that.”
