7. 6. Welsh Conservatives Debate: Broadband Access

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:13 pm on 2 November 2016.

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Photo of Mohammad Asghar Mohammad Asghar Conservative 4:13, 2 November 2016

That’s good news, but still we’re lagging behind many other countries. In Wales today, over 14 per cent never use the internet. That is a fact, David. Thirty-eight per cent are without basic digital skills. How are they going to employ people? Basic start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises lose out because of a shortage of domestic workers. I recognise that employers of low-skilled staff have a duty to upskill their workforce. But the Welsh Government must ensure that what is taught in the schools and colleges matches the requirement of businesses in Wales.

The digital competence framework aims to develop digital skills that are useful in everyday life and transferrable to the world of work. I welcome this. However, it is hard to see how effective this framework will be without complete roll-out of broadband infrastructure and effective skills training for teachers and parents.

Education is the engine for a more digitally skilled workforce. The Welsh education system must be designed to equip everyone with strong numeracy and literacy skills, including information literacy. Evidence shows that students who were only exposed to digital education in designated ICT classes suffered a distinct disadvantage when compared to those whose schools chose to mainstream technology and digital skills across the curriculum. But, students using technology in the classroom by itself if not enough.