Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:54 pm on 21 June 2022.
Diolch, Llywydd. I want to speak to all the amendments in this group. Amendment 112 exists to ensure that adult community learning is included within the definition of tertiary education and to actually make the definition of adult community learning properly function within the Bill. Further to this, amendments 115 and 117 are linked to amendments 112 and 113, and will further serve to ensure that adult community learning is included within the Bill's definition of the term.
Adult community learning is essential if we are to ensure, when the opportunity arises for the creation of higher skilled jobs in Wales, that we are able to take advantage of them. We need to ensure that aspiration and opportunity aren't only available to our young people, although the Minister knows this is an area where he needs to do extensive work. Working parents want to be able to take the next step on the ladder of their career and want to improve their qualifications or learn a new skill. In many cases, this would be their first formal qualification.
Whilst the Minister is unlikely to accept these amendments today, I would urge him and his department to look at adult community learning so that it fully meets the needs of communities and that those who want to achieve can.
Amendment 113, on the other hand, will simply mean that 'entry level' is clearly defined within the Bill, which is a necessary amendment, in my view, for clarity within the legislation, and I ask Members to consider this. Diolch.