Mid Wales is seeking to turn digital demand into a regional economic opportunity by strengthening skills, improving infrastructure and bringing employers, education providers and public sector partners into a more coordinated system.
A Mid Wales Digital Skills Analysis found that digital capability is now essential across sectors including agriculture, construction, retail, manufacturing, health, education and public services.
Employers reported demand for both basic digital skills among non-IT staff and more advanced capabilities in areas such as data analysis, cyber security, cloud computing, software development, business intelligence and AI.
The report also found that 73% of Mid Wales employers view AI awareness as important, although many organisations remain at an early stage of adoption and are seeking practical guidance on how to use it safely and effectively.
The findings are informing the emerging Mid Wales Digital Skills Strategy alongside the work of the Regional Skills Partnership and investment through the Mid Wales Growth Deal Digital Programme.
Mark Price, Business Development Director at Pugh Computers, told the Unlocking Mid Wales podcast that the region’s digital needs now extend well beyond the technology sector. Pugh Computers, based in Llanon, Ceredigion, works with organisations on software licensing, hardware, cyber security, AI training and adoption.
Mark said businesses across sectors were increasingly looking for packaged support which helped them understand available tools, use them securely and embed them in day-to-day working.
He said much of the current demand was around AI, with organisations interested in tools such as Microsoft Copilot but often still experimenting with how they could be used in practice.
Dr John Davies, CEO of SudoCyber, said the challenge was often less about the technology itself and more about helping people use it with confidence. SudoCyber is based in the old post office in Brecon and works with defence, police, universities and industry clients on cyber, AI and wider capability development.
John said digital skills should not be seen as a narrow route into IT jobs, with cyber now touching areas including law, HR, policing, psychology, project management and organisational response.
Cllr Glyn Preston, Cabinet Member for a More Prosperous Powys at Powys County Council, said Growing Mid Wales was helping to bring partners together so employers could find clearer routes to advice, training and support.
He pointed to innovation already taking place across the region, including SudoCyber’s work in Brecon and practical approaches to mapping connectivity gaps such as using bin lorries during recycling collections to identify areas with weaker coverage.
Cllr Clive Davies, Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration and Carbon Management at Ceredigion County Council, said infrastructure, skills and opportunity needed to be considered together.
He said digital infrastructure was critical to creating a more level playing field across Mid Wales, but that businesses also needed the skills to use new technologies and make sense of larger data sets.
Clive said the region had “all the ingredients for success”, including committed employers, strong communities and growing digital ambition.
Regional partners are now working to improve the visibility of training options, expand flexible learning, strengthen links between employers and education providers and support SMEs with practical digital adoption.
Hear more on the Unlocking Mid Wales podcast. Listen here:
