Skills, Education and the Workforce Wales Needs for Sustainable Growth

Wales’s long-term economic success depends on the strength, adaptability and inclusivity of its workforce. As industries evolve and new technologies reshape the way we work, the role of skills and education has never been more central to productivity, resilience and opportunity.

Further education plays a critical part in this landscape, supporting individuals to progress and businesses to grow. At Cardiff and Vale College (CAVC), we work closely with employers, communities and partners across the region to ensure skills provision responds directly to real-world needs.

Meeting the needs of employers and learners

Employers across Wales continue to highlight the importance of having access to people with the right technical, professional and transferable skills. With more than 31,000 learner enrolments each year, a £133 million turnover and engagement with over 2,000 employers annually, CAVC supports workforce development at scale.

Our curriculum spans entry-level learning through to higher-level technical and professional programmes, enabling learners to enter the workforce, progress in their careers or retrain as sectors change. This breadth allows us to respond to demand across priority areas such as engineering, construction, digital, health and emerging green industries.

Close collaboration with employers ensures that provision remains relevant. By designing courses and training around live industry requirements, we help businesses build capability while giving learners clear pathways into skilled employment.

Apprenticeships as a driver of productivity

Apprenticeships remain one of the most effective ways to develop talent and strengthen workforce productivity. Through CAVC and ACT, we deliver over 40 different apprenticeship pathways ranging from accountancy to engineering, journalism and construction.

While many apprentices are at the start of their careers, apprenticeships also play an important role in upskilling and reskilling existing employees. As businesses adapt to new technologies, sustainability requirements and changing customer expectations, structured workplace learning helps organisations retain talent and remain competitive.

Strong employer engagement is central to this success. From family-run firms to global brands, partnerships ensure training reflects practical skills and standards needed in the workplace.

Reducing barriers and widening participation

For the economy to function effectively, talent must not be lost due to avoidable barriers. Financial pressures, transport challenges and wider social factors can all limit access to education and training.

Targeted support can make a tangible difference. At CAVC, initiatives such as free meals, affordable travel and enhanced learner support help individuals remain engaged and progress. Community and family learning programmes also play a vital role in building confidence, skills and aspiration at an early stage.

In 2024/25, CAVC delivered 183 community courses across 82 schools, supporting nearly 3,000 children and adults. A significant proportion of this provision was focused in areas facing economic disadvantage, with many adult learners progressing into further education. These outcomes strengthen local skills pipelines and long-term employability.

Economic impact at a regional level

Further education is a major contributor to regional economic performance. Independent analysis shows that CAVC learners generate £1.3 billion in lifetime economic benefit, while the college contributes £0.5 billion annually to the regional economy. Every £1 invested delivers £4.10 in wider societal value.

Collaboration is key to maximising this impact. CAVC leads the £3.5 million Cardiff Capital Region Cluster Development and Growth Programme, bringing together further education, higher education and industry partners to support skills development in digital, advanced manufacturing and net zero sectors. This joined-up approach helps businesses access talent and innovation while supporting sustainable growth.

Investment in facilities also underpins this work. Our £120 million transformation programme in the Vale of Glamorgan, including a new Advanced Technology Campus near Cardiff Airport, is designed to support high-skill job creation and innovation aligned to employer demand.

Investing in people

Skills development is a shared responsibility, requiring collaboration between education providers, employers and communities. When aligned effectively, investment in people delivers returns through higher productivity, stronger businesses and more resilient local economies.

By responding to employer needs, supporting learners to progress and working collaboratively across sectors, further education can continue to play a central role in building a skilled, adaptable and prosperous Wales.