The Economy of North Wales

Part of 1. Questions to the Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales – in the Senedd at 2:14 pm on 26 February 2020.

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Photo of Janet Finch-Saunders Janet Finch-Saunders Conservative 2:14, 26 February 2020

One issue that continues to be raised with me by businesses in Aberconwy is the skills shortage. This is a Wales-wide problem, with 92 per cent of senior business leaders reporting difficulties in hiring workers with the required skills. So, to stimulate skill growth, I have previously called for the creation of an institute of technology in north Wales. Despite the UK Government having already committed to setting up 12 institutes of technology across England, a Welsh Government spokesperson stated the following to the North Wales Weekly News: there is capacity within the existing further education estate to provide excellent learning in subjects such as engineering and digital close to people's homes in the north. So, therefore, given the apparent opposition to the creation of an institute, I would be grateful if you could explain where this referenced 'capacity' is and what action are you taking to build on that. Thank you.