Member of the Senedd for Delyn Hannah Blythyn has welcomed a significant investment in skills and training, with more than £1.25m approved for training and upskilling initiatives in Flintshire and Wrexham alone. The amount spent makes up nearly half of the Welsh Government's entire spend across Wales.

The funding, delivered through the Flexible Skills Programme, is helping businesses across north-east Wales to grow sustainably, boost productivity and create high-quality employment opportunities. The programme supports accredited training across a wide range of sectors including aerospace, manufacturing, automotive, pharmaceuticals, engineering and forestry sectors that are vital to the region’s economic future.

During a statement to the Senedd by the Deputy Minister for Skills, Hannah Blythyn asked:

“To realise an economy that works for Wales, we need it to work for those who are the power that drives that economy and we do that by investing and supporting the current and future workforce.

"Skills are central to that, not just skills in the first place, but ongoing opportunities to upskill. The flexible skills programme is an excellent example of how that can work in practice and the difference it can make.

"I was particularly heartened to hear about the investment in North East Wales. That's the £1.25m investment in Flintshire and Wrexham alone and that's a significant investment in our corner of the country.”

Alyn and Deeside MS and Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology Jack Sargeant said in response:

“Can I thank Hannah Blythyn for those questions. You're absolutely right: we're very proud, particularly in North-East Wales, of our high-tech advanced manufacturing sector, which is the area that I and the Member represent.

"From having worked in that industry, we definitely understand that to continue to be world-class in that field, we need to provide funding and provide the flexibility that industry needs to upskill their workforce. The Member rightly points to the investment in Flintshire and Wrexham. We have had the largest share of funding, Chair, at over £1.25m. I saw that in Kronospan last week and we can see it in lots of businesses across the two areas there.

"I say in my statement that investing in people is how we build a fairer, stronger Wales. What I would say to businesses across the country, is don't just listen to me; listen to people in the sector. When we invest in people, we know that we invest in their future outcomes.”

The Flexible Skills Programme provides flexible and responsive support for employers across Wales, with applications typically approved within just a few days. Businesses in Flintshire, Wrexham and beyond can find out more and apply via the Business Wales website: businesswales.gov.wales/topics-and-guidance/employing-people-and-improving-skills/recruit-and-train/flexible-skills-programme.