9. What steps is the Welsh Government taking to support higher education institutions? OAQ54170

Thank you, Joyce. We continue to provide financial and regulatory support to the sector through HEFCW, which, together with our student support reforms, will create a stronger, more sustainable HE sector across the nation.

Thank you for that answer, but last week, there was a worrying report in the media concerning the future of the Lampeter campus of the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, and in recent years there has been a decline in the number of departments, staff and students at that particular campus. Understandably, both the students and the local residents, and the businesses that depend on that university, are really concerned about the economic viability and the effects that will have on the wider community. They're especially concerned about the announcement by the university that they're looking to make a £6.5 million cut and 100 job cuts across their three campuses, which does include Carmarthen, Swansea and Lampeter. Can I ask, Minister, if you've had any discussions whatsoever with the university regarding the future of the Lampeter campus and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David?

Thank you, Joyce. I spoke to the vice-chancellor of that institution last week and received a categorical assurance on the future of educational provision at the Lampeter campus from him.

Minister, I'm sure you'll agree with me that partnerships between higher education authorities and businesses are critical to ensure that the next generation have the knowledge and right skill sets to enter the workforce, which I'm sure will be very different in 10 years' time, given the adoption of automation and artificial intelligence. Naturally, these changes will require workers everywhere to deepen their existing skill sets or even acquire new ones. With this in mind, what is the Welsh Government doing to support higher education institutions to work with employers to make sure the workforce of the future has the necessary skills and knowledge to actually enter the workplace?

If I can give the Member a concrete example of how we're doing just that, and that is our degree apprenticeship programme. That degree apprenticeship programme sees individuals based in the company for the vast majority of their time but undertaking some part-time study. That's not the same as thinking that those students just do a normal degree on a part-time basis; the programme that has been developed by the university has been done deliberately in partnership with those businesses that employ the student.

We've just heard a question about Trinity. I've been very fortunate to see for myself some of those involved in the Trinity Saint David digital degree apprenticeship programme—a young woman who decided to go down that route at 18 rather than the more traditional undergraduate programme. And we hope to extend the number of professions that are covered by degree apprenticeships later on this year, focusing especially on digital, engineering and other STEM subjects, thus allowing businesses and universities to work together to deliver a curriculum that truly meets the needs of individuals but also the wider economy.

Finally, question 10—Mark Isherwood.