Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. ColegauCymru recently celebrated 10 years in their current building, and, to mark the occasion, a seminar event was held, and discussions were had on the past, present and future of skills in Wales.

The value of education and training must not be underestimated. In 2017, there were just over 350,000 16 to 25-year-olds in Wales, and 50 per cent of these were in full-time or part-time education or training. Further education colleges are providing academic and vocational education to many of them. But, in 2017-18, the majority of FE learners were in fact over 25, and an increase in apprenticeships within this age range has contributed to changing that age profile of learners. And, of course, in general, colleges work very closely with local employers to understand their current and future skills needs. A report commissioned by ColegauCymru showed the economic impact of further education colleges on the local business community in Wales at £4 billion each year. And ColegauCymru have supported colleges and schools across the FE sector in their search for innovative solutions and delivering services more efficiently at this time of great change and challenge. I look forward to continuing to work alongside ColegauCymru in the cross-party group on FE and future skills here in the Assembly, to continue to ensure that Wales remains a country of lifelong learning and second-chance education.