Motion NDM6229 as amended:

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Recognises the significant contribution made by Further and Higher Education institutions to supporting economic opportunity and notes the important leadership role they play in some of the most disadvantaged communities of Wales.

2. Notes the Welsh Government’s commitment to parity of esteem between vocational and academic routes through education.

3. Recognises the importance of high quality, full and part-time opportunities for post-16 learning in both languages which can support learners of all ages and serve the economy of Wales.

4. Welcomes the additional £30m of funding provided for Further and Higher Education in the 2017-18 Welsh Government budget.

5. Notes the work done by the Welsh Government working in partnership with stakeholders across Wales through the Diamond and Hazelkorn Reviews to provide a stable basis for the funding, regulation and governance of post-16 education in Wales.

6. Calls for an end to the UK Government’s damaging policy of austerity which has negatively impacted all public services across the UK, including higher and further education.

7. Calls on the Welsh Government to work in the spirit of Hazelkorn to eliminate much of the unhelpful competition that has emerged in post-16 education in recent years, and to develop clearer and more flexible post-16 learning pathways.