A new multimillion-pound skills programme is being developed to support some of the fastest-growing industries across South East Wales.
Cardiff Capital Region, acting on behalf of the South East Wales Corporate Joint Committee, is seeking a delivery partner for the first phase of its Investment Zone Skills Programme.
The programme will focus on developing the workforce needed to support growth across priority sectors including semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence and other enabling technologies.
An initial investment of up to £2.77 million is expected to be deployed over a 17-month period, with the potential for a further £1.35 million to be made available through an extension running to March 2029.
This would take the total potential value of the programme to £4.12 million.
The initiative is intended to support workforce growth, attract talent into the region, develop skills and encourage greater employer-led innovation.
A Lead Managing Agent is now being sought to oversee delivery.
Its responsibilities will include working directly with employers, gathering workforce intelligence, coordinating partners, administering funding and developing plans for skills provision.
The programme will operate across the wider South East Wales region, covering Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan, Bridgend, the Valleys, Monmouthshire and Newport.
The successful organisation will also be expected to bring together employers and other partners to identify workforce requirements and ensure skills activity responds to the needs of the industries being targeted for future economic growth.
The procurement represents another element of the emerging Investment Zone programme and provides an indication of the emphasis being placed on ensuring skills development accompanies investment in high-growth industries.
The initial contract is expected to begin in November 2026 and run until March 2028, with an option to extend delivery for a further 12 months.
Organisations interested in delivering the programme have until midday on September 28 to submit tenders.
The contract will be awarded on the basis of 70% quality and 30% cost, with an appointment currently scheduled to be made in October.
