Press Release

SECTOR SKILLS AGREEMENT LAUNCHED IN WALES

23 October 2007

Deputy Minister for Skills John Griffiths AM, launched the Sector Skills Agreements in Wales on 9 October 2007, including the Skills for Justice Sector Skills Agreement (SSAs). The event, which was also attended by Alan Woods, Chief Executive of Skills for Justice, was held in the prestigious Wales Millennium Centre and was a resounding success.

Richard Jones, Wales Manager at Skills for Justice, said 'The SSA is an assessment of skills needs and priorities within the Justice sector. It identifies and articulates the sector's future workforce and skills needs so that employers, learning providers and Skills for Justice can take collaborative action to address them. Our Sector Skills Agreement represents significant investment from stakeholders and supply side organisations including Careers Wales, the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales, Job Centre Plus, Wales TUC and the Welsh Assembly Government.'

John Griffiths commended the work that Skills for Justice is undertaking and said:

'Skills for Justice are looking to link development of Police Cadetships into 14-19 Provision and the Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification, and support the implementation of the employer-led aspects of the Welsh Baccalaureate.'

He went on to say:

'The Sector Skills Agreements mark the start of a new journey towards achieving our aspiration for a world-class skills system here in Wales. This is not simply about developing sustainable policy - although this is extremely important - but it is also about providing consistent and deliverable action to ensure we unlock the potential of Wales' people by enhancing their skills. We must equip individuals with the skills needed for employment, and the skills needed for business.'

Iuean Wyn Jones, the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Economy and Transport, was also at the event and said:

'T'The new Sector Skills Agreements demonstrate the diverse needs of individual sectors of the Welsh economy, and the bespoke solutions the different Sector Skills Councils have needed to generate, for example, Skills for Justice and my Department have agreed to work together to promote vocational qualifications in countering E-Crime within business in Wales. The wide engagement underlines how we are joining up our skills and economic agendas, and how Sector Skills Councils - through their employer base, and working closely with relevant employers - are supporting our partnership approach to Government. Employer participation is essential to ensuring Government policy is aligned to their needs, in order to achieve a sustainable business environment in Wales, built on a strong and enterprising economy, with full employment and quality jobs.

The prize for achieving the vision embodied within the Sector Skills Agreements is massive, and one which is based on a collective responsibility, requiring collaborative working. This is essential to ensuring we deliver a Wales which is vibrant, sustainable, has a strong cultural identity, and prospers in an ever changing global business environment

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