LARGEST EVER CAREERS AND SKILLS EVENT WILL HELP LIFT WALES FROM RECESSION, SAYS FIRST MINISTER

26 January 2010

 

People’s willingness to pursue new careers and gain new skills will be crucial in helping Wales break free of the grip of recession, according to the First Minister, Carwyn Jones.

 

Mr Jones announced today that Wales will, this year, host its largest ever careers and skills exhibition, attracting more than 20,000 people of all ages, seeking new opportunities for the future.

 

‘skillscymru,’ which will be free to enter, will feature over 100 employers, colleges and training providers, and is part of a major push by the Welsh Assembly Government, with the help of European Social Funding (ESF), to aid the country’s recovery from the economic downturn by preparing the population for a new higher-skilled era.

 

The landmark event will be held at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, from September 16-18, and will target skill-seekers from 14 years old up to those in their 60s.

 

The event aims to inform visitors about existing and emerging career opportunities in Wales and particularly about the skills needed to work in fast-growing sectors such as the bio-sciences and the various creative industries.

 

Visitors to the exhibition will be able to take part in a wide range of demonstrations and master classes in other fields including engineering, construction, retail, hospitality, cookery, sport and fitness.

 

Announcing the flagship event Mr Jones said: “The post-recession era will present us with major new opportunities and challenges, as new enterprises emerge.

 

“As a nation, we need to prepare for those opportunities or risk missing out. That means many people must be willing to train for occupations they might not even have considered, or even known about, before. That is how we will make a comeback and regain our competitiveness.”

 

He added: “Wales is leading the way in combating the recession by promoting the learning of new skills. skillscymru is an exciting event that leads the way and is a key strand in our strategy to offset a recessionary rise in unemployment, while helping fulfil the Assembly Government’s One Wales commitment to skills.

 

“When the recovery begins, Wales needs to be ready to hit the ground running so we can compete with the rest of the world. The best way to achieve this is to ensure our people have the skills, qualifications and training employers and the economy need.

 

“skillscymru will help people fight back against the downturn and do something positive to boost their confidence and employment prospects in 2010 and beyond - ensuring Wales remains one of the best countries in the world in which to live and do business.”

 

David Rosser, Director of the CBI in Wales, who is backing skillscymru, said: “Across Wales companies have been fighting for survival and we’re working with the Welsh Assembly Government to help industry cope with extremely difficult market conditions.

 

“While there is no magic wand solution to these problems, skillscymru is an important positive step to tackling the issues for both employers and employees and I’d encourage people to attend and support the event.”

 

According to figures from the ONS,* unemployment across Wales, since around the time the recession began, has risen from 5.2% to 8.8%, but to prevent people falling into the trap of long-term joblessness, the Assembly Government is pressing them to start the year by getting back to learning.

 

The Welsh Assembly Government has launched a wide range of initiatives and funding packages, with the help of ESF funding, to assist companies and people in Wales combat the effects of the recession including: ProAct**, ReAct***. skillscymru is its latest project aimed at supporting the country out of recession.

To sponsor and/or book a stand space or visit skillscymru please contact Prospects Events on tel: 01278 454 545 or email: brett.jones@prospects.co.uk or visit the skillscymru website at: www.skillscymru.co.uk or www.sgiliaucymru.co.uk.

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According to the ONS* Labour Market Statistical Bulletin:

 

April-June 2008 ILO unemployment in Wales was 5.2%, similar to the UK average for the same period which was 5.4%.

 

August-Oct 2009 ILO unemployment in Wales was 8.8%, higher than the UK average for the same period which was 7.9%.

 

ProAct** - Unique to Wales and funded by the European Social Fund (ESF), it is a financial support package for employers designed to help viable businesses cope with the downturn. It provides additional training for employees who are on short time working and it also helps businesses retain skilled staff that may otherwise be made redundant.

 

For more info about ProAct: http://wales.gov.uk/topics/educationandskills/foremployers/proact/?lang=en  

 

ReAct*** - The Redundancy Action Scheme (ReAct), funded by the European Social Fund (ESF), is a programme of funding for training provided by the Welsh Assembly Government for people living in Wales who are facing redundancy. The scheme can also help Employers who are downsizing their business or are recruiting staff.

 

For more info about ReAct: http://wales.gov.uk/topics/educationandskills/foremployers/reactemployers/?lang=en