Written By
Wyn Pritchard
Chair
Skills.Wales
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As the new Chair of Skills.Wales, my involvement and support for this innovative platform are deeply rooted in over 35 years of experience in the skills sector.
From my early days at the Training and Enterprise Councils (ELWa) to more recent collaborations with Business News Wales, my journey has always been driven by a commitment to enhancing the skillset of our workforce in alignment with emerging industry needs, particularly in areas like green skills and sustainability.
My career began in an era when the frameworks for skills training were just taking shape, offering me firsthand insights into the foundational elements of skills development. This experience was invaluable when I collaborated with Business News Wales to develop what would eventually become Skills.Wales.
Initially focused on green skills, our work soon revealed the necessity for a broader, more integrated approach to skills development—a platform that could unify various sectors and stakeholders.
One of my core realisations over the years has been the critical need to foster a more robust relationship between educational institutions and employers. This relationship is crucial because it ensures that the training provided is not only relevant but also directly applicable to the needs of the industry.
Skills.Wales is designed to serve as this conduit—a one-stop shop where colleges, universities, and employers can converge, share insights, and synchronise their efforts.
The platform allows for a continuous exchange of information, ensuring that educational programs are agile enough to adapt to the changing demands of the workplace. This dynamic interaction helps prepare a workforce that is not just skilled but also versatile and ready to tackle the challenges of a modern economy.
At Skills.Wales, our vision is to create a cohesive ecosystem that encapsulates all aspects of skills development. By bringing together educators, industry leaders, policymakers, and learners, we can create a holistic approach to skills training.
Our platform acts as a central hub where best practices, innovative ideas, and strategic insights are shared. This not only enhances the quality of skills training but also ensures that Wales remains at the forefront of economic and industrial advancements.
In my role as Chair of Skills.Wales, I am committed to steering this initiative towards creating tangible benefits for every stakeholder involved. By leveraging my extensive background in skills development and my passion for sustainable and relevant education, I aim to ensure that Skills.Wales not only meets the current needs of our economy but also anticipates and prepares for future demands.
Supporting Skills.Wales is more than just a professional obligation for me; it is a continuation of a lifelong mission to see our workforce thrive and adapt. It is about making sure that Wales not only keeps pace with global trends but sets benchmarks in skills development that others might follow.
