2. Business Statement and Announcement

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:33 pm on 2 November 2021.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Sam Rowlands Sam Rowlands Conservative 2:33, 2 November 2021

Trefnydd, I'd welcome a Welsh Government statement providing an update on the plans to tackle what seems to be a growing skills shortage in Wales at the moment. I've recently had the pleasure of meeting a number of small businesses from across north Wales with the Federation of Small Businesses, two of those being the Fifth Wheel Company in Rhuallt and also the White House hotel and spa, which I would highly recommend.

A common theme when meeting with these businesses and employers is that they are struggling to find people with the right skills to employ, and this is despite their jobs being well paid and there being the potential for a long and successful career in those jobs. I have noted the Welsh Government statement on a COVID commitment to employability and skills, but as this was a statement in July last year, it was well over a year ago and, of course, the world has moved on quite a lot since then. So, I think the time would be right for an updated statement on the Welsh Government's plans to tackle the skills shortage, and what they would do to encourage rapid skills development throughout the country. Thank you.