ColegauCymru welcomes the commitments to address technical and vocational education within the ambitious Co-operation Agreement.
ColegauCymru has today welcomed the key commitments set out by First Minister, Mark Drakeford, and Plaid Cymru Leader, Adam Price and the potential positive impact the Agreement could have on the future provision of technical and vocational education.
Key to the Agreement on post-16 education is a focus on expansion in lifelong learning and workforce professional development. ColegauCymru looks forward to seeing more detail on these agendas over the coming weeks and months. Significant areas in today’s Co-operation Agreement include:
Qualification Reform
The Charity is heartened by the commitment to qualification reform and to delivering made in-Wales vocational qualifications to fit the needs of our learners and the economy. Qualification reform, and in particular the delivery of higher-level vocational qualifications is required to move towards true parity of esteem between academic and vocational/technical routes of study.
Tertiary Education and Research Bill
ColegauCymru further welcomes the Agreement’s commitment to taking forward the Commission for Tertiary Education and Research (CTER) Bill ‘to empower education providers to be part of a diverse, agile and collaborative sector that delivers for learners, employers and communities’.
ColegauCymru Chair Guy Lacey said,
“The FE sector in Wales is committed to working with Welsh Government to overhaul the planning, funding and provision of post-16 education in Wales. It will be essential for the Bill to be properly scrutinised so that a sustainable legal framework is established and that a level playing field of opportunity for all post-compulsory learners is provided.”
Welsh Language Standards
The Agreement goes on to further commit to the full implementation of the Welsh Language Standards and the investment in Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol and National Centre for Learning Welsh to increase the numbers of Welsh language apprenticeships and free Welsh language learning for 16 - 25 year olds.
ColegauCymru Chief Executive Iestyn Davies added,
“The commitments made in the Agreement are a clear recognition from Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru of the need to provide equal opportunities to the post-compulsory learners and citizens of Wales, regardless of their background or chosen route of study. The promises outlined will help us to support learners to become active citizens whether in work or in society more widely which in turn will allow for a prosperous Wales.”
Further Information
Welsh Government Press Release
Ambitious deal to deliver radical change and reform
22 November 2021
