Issue - meetings

David Roberts (Chair of the North Wales Regional Skills Partnership) and Catherine Morris-Roberts (Regional Skills Manager) to present the report.

To approve the North Wales Skills and Employment Plan and the priorities as set out in the plan.

To ask the Regional Skills Partnership to submit an update report in 12 months' time.

The report was submitted by the Chair of the North Wales Regional Skills Partnership and the Regional Skills Manager.

DECISION

To approve the North Wales Skills and Employment Plan and the priorities as set out in the plan.

To ask the Regional Skills Partnership to submit an update report in 12 months' time.

REASONS FOR THE DECISION

To report to the Economic Well-being Sub-Committee on the North Wales Skills and Employment Plan and seek endorsement of its priorities to support regional delivery.

DISCUSSION

It was explained that Skills and Employment Plans operated on a 3-year cycle, noting that the latest cycle had ended at the beginning of this year. It was noted that no clear guidance had been provided by the Welsh Government during recent months because preparations were underway for the Senedd Cymru Election in May.

It was reported that the North Wales Regional Skills Partnership had decided to continue with a new Plan for the next three years to ensure development and continuity of momentum, hoping that the new Government would adopt it in due course. It was acknowledged that there was a possibility that minor amendments were being made as the Government considered it, but there was confidence that the Plan was robust enough to cope with that.

Attention was drawn to the fact that the North Wales Skills and Employment Plan was unique to the three other plans seen in Wales, as it was closely tied with the Corporate Joint Committee. There was confidence that this was a strength because support could be provided on a regional level.

It was reported that approximately 30 partners were part of the Board, including colleges and universities, noting that their attendance on the Board helped them with their individual plans. Pride was expressed that the Board had engaged with over 350 employers across the nine priority sectors, through surveys, employer networks and meetings, to be able to develop the Plan.

It was confirmed that three themes continued from the previous Plan, to ensure continuity in the Board's good work and the support proposed within the region. It was detailed that these included providing support to employers, individuals and teaching how support was provided and making the connections between individuals and employers.

It was explained that the plan included the insights of employers about the recruitment needs and the necessary skills within the sectors, as well as information about the barriers that individuals faced. It was elaborated that the plan provided an overview of significant challenges and opportunities available with large investment projects. Attention was drawn to the fact that many of the Corporate Joint Committee projects had used the Plan in the past. It was noted that the plan addressed the fact that the labour market was evolving, such as Artificial Intelligence, Net Zero, and how employers could make the best use of these matters.

It was highlighted that economic connectivity difficulties impacted individuals within the region, acknowledging that 15.1% of 16-24-year-old people in north Wales were not in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8