ColegauCymru is today warmly welcoming the support Welsh Government is providing further education following the publication of its report Covid19 Reconstruction: Challenges and Priorities, whilst urging financial assurances on the commitment of additional funds to tackle Covid repercussions in the sector.
The report sets out its commitment to build a new future for Wales, providing £320m towards the immediate reconstruction work. We particularly welcome one of the key priorities that will be funded over the next 6 months and which includes supporting young people with additional ‘catch-up’ provision for those in years 11 to 13, expanded enrolment for extra places in further education and digital devices to help learners access their courses.
ColegauCymru Chair Dafydd Evans said,
“We welcome the recent announcement of additional funding as we continue to adapt to a post-Covid world. We look forward to our continuing engagement with the Minister and government colleagues to clarify how the additional resource will be distributed, to best support learners and wider economic recovery”.
It will be essential for the government to be flexible in how the additional funding will be distributed so as to ensure best use of the funds available.
ColegauCymru Chief Executive Iestyn Davies added,
“We warmly support the announcement by Counsel General, Jeremy Miles MS yesterday. It is essential that the commitment of additional funds is clearly translated into practical support on the ground to enable further education colleges to continue their valuable work.”
Further Information
Welsh Government Press Release
Multi-million pound boost to support post-Covid pledge
6 October 2020
Welsh Government Policy & Strategy
Coronavirus reconstruction: challenges and priorities
6 October 2020
