Deputy Minister for Skills, John Griffiths today [Wednesday 19 March] launched ‘Routes to Progress’, the Sector Skills agreement for the Passenger Transport industry in Wales.
Sector Skills Agreements represent an agreement between industry, training providers, awarding bodies and other stakeholders to tackle skills issues in a co-ordinated way.
The agreement is the culmination of a two year process by GoSkills, the Sector Skills Council for Passenger Transport, involving research and consultation with employers, operators and stakeholders on the issues affecting the sector in Wales.
The agreement sets out the recommended actions needed to tackle the sector’s skills needs and enhance skills development. Five key partners – Careers Wales, JobCentre Plus, HEFCW, Wales TUC and the Welsh Assembly Government, have signed up to the agreement.
Earlier today, John Griffiths met Arriva train drivers and guards who are set to benefit from the opportunities the agreement will bring.
John Griffiths said: “Today marks an important milestone for the Passenger Transport industry here in Wales setting out a clear way forward to support the delivery of skills and training which will allow businesses to flourish.
“As a government we are committed to improving skill levels and our ‘Skills that Work for Wales’ strategy sets out our vision for working with employers, employees and trade unions to meet the skills challenge here in Wales. Involving employers is key to shaping our future workforce and achieving sustainable, better paid and high skilled jobs.”
“Investment in skills is investment in our future. Through ‘Routes to Progression’, employers will be in a position to ensure that training is responsive, flexible and aligned to their business needs. Individuals will benefit through learning opportunities supported and informed by employers, which deliver high skills and lead to good quality jobs.”