Welsh Government announces funding to boost digital and green sectors

A programme funded by the Welsh Government which helps people over 19 to improve their skills and employment prospects has been awarded £3 million to focus on digital and net zero skills.

Individuals on lower-incomes and those whose jobs are at risk are supported by Personal Learning Accounts (PLA) to learn new skills and achieve new qualifications.

£1 million will be spent to on training people in areas such as cyber, programming, data analysis, network and cloud infrastructure, database management, and digital and analysis skills.

The remaining £2 million will be spent on supporting individuals to up skill or re-skill in net zero, with the aim to develop a highly skilled workforce to support Wales transition to net zero.

The construction, energy, engineering and manufacturing sectors are all set to benefit.

More than £51 million has already been invested in the scheme and around 30,000 adults have made use of PLAs since the launch in 2019.

PLAs offer free courses in 13 Welsh colleges and deliver vocational training in sectors with skills shortages.

Minister for Education and Welsh Language, Jeremy Miles, said: "We are delighted to make this announcement during Adult Learners’ Week Personal Learning Accounts provide excellent opportunities for people to re-train to find the right career for them.  Digital training and net zero skills are areas we know that employers are increasingly looking for as a skills base, while also being aligned with our commitments to be a greener, stronger, fairer Wales.

"The PLA programme has had an excellent response since its launch, and I would encourage individuals wanting to develop their careers to find out more."

Minister for Economy, Vaughan Gething, said: "It’s fantastic to see that so many people across Wales are taking advantage of the courses available through Personal Learning Accounts.

"The cost-of-living crisis is having a significant impact on household disposable income, so it’s imperative that we continue to fund and tailor vocational training to individuals who are looking for a brighter future. Personal Learning Account courses not only help to upskill individuals, but they are essential in filling vital talent gaps within our economy.

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