9. Conservative Party Debate: Workforce Skills Post Brexit

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:06 pm on 22 January 2020.

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Photo of Kirsty Williams Kirsty Williams Liberal Democrat 6:06, 22 January 2020

Thank you very much, Deputy Presiding Officer. It's been interesting, and sometimes illuminating, to hear the contributions this afternoon, but I think we can all agree that developing the skills of the workforce is essential if Wales is to thrive and prosper post Brexit. 

This Government is committed to supporting FE, HE and apprenticeships to ensure our people have the necessary skills to meet the challenges of a post-Brexit economy and, after all, uniquely within the UK, Wales responded to the challenge of leaving the EU with a dedicated transition fund, and this has already resulted in an additional £10 million of investment specifically for education and skills. From this fund, over £6 million will support employers in the automotive and the aerospace sectors, enabling them to forward projects to address potential skills deficits exacerbated by leaving the EU. Alongside this, £3.5 million has been allocated to enhance our international education links, maintaining our reputation as a welcoming place for students despite the decision to leave the EU, as well as our dedicated scheme to offer more outward mobility opportunities for Welsh students. 

Now, the Conservative motion that we're debating today predominantly calls for investment in degree apprenticeships, in adult learning allowances and in the further education sector more generally, all of which, Deputy Presiding Officer, are featured in the Welsh Government's draft budget. Janet Finch-Saunders, in her contribution, said she couldn't understand what was stopping us from moving to a three-year funding cycle. Well, let me give you a very good reason—one very good reason—Janet: I do not have a budget for next year. I cannot—[Interruption.] I cannot possibly give FE colleges a three-year budget when I only have a year's budget of my own. 

Now, in total—[Interruption.] In total, in the new year—[Interruption.] In total, the further education budget is set to increase at the start of this new financial year by over £25 million, including additional funding to support mental health, funding for professional learning for those working in FE, and funding to support pension and pay pressures. [Interruption.] Yes.