Relationships with Large Companies

Part of 1. Questions to the Minister for Economy and Transport – in the Senedd at 2:12 pm on 16 January 2019.

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Photo of Ken Skates Ken Skates Labour 2:12, 16 January 2019

Can I thank Hefin David for his question and, furthermore, thank him for the keen interest that he's taken over many years in the skills system that we operate? I met the founder of Admiral just last autumn. We discussed, amongst many other issues, the availability of people with the right skills for the company, and I'd certainly meet with key stakeholders within the financial and professional services more widely in Cardiff. Of course, the Member is aware that the RSP—the regional skills partnership—for the Cardiff capital region has designated the financial and professional services sector as one of its priority sectors for the region as it seeks to plan—better plan—skills provision for the economy of the region and ensure that there is a closer alignment between what businesses require and what skills providers and training providers actually produce. Wales's larger employers such as Admiral are also allocated a dedicated senior skills relationship manager, who works very closely with them on their skills needs, and they also support businesses in facilitating productive engagement with the provider network, including further education colleges and higher education institutions. But I think, given that the RSPs are still in their infancy, there is still work to be done in ensuring that the fusing of business interests and the provision of skilled individuals is enhanced.