Regional Learning and Skills Partnership – South West Wales

Our vision for the RLSP is to work in partnership to drive the economic growth of South West Wales by supporting employers to shape innovative and creative pathways for a robust workforce. In addition, supporting local residents in gaining skills and experience to ensure local economic prosperity.

Our priorities are:

• Develop an understanding of the skills requirements of the future across the region.
• Promote career opportunities and pathways to all
• Develop a skilled workforce for the region for now and the future.

Our Focus

The Regional Learning and Skills Partnership for South West Wales is one of for regional partnerships in Wales.  The main aim of the RLSP is to develop a clear understanding of the skills needs of industry now and in the future by analysing Labour Market Intelligence for South West Wales.

The Partnership works with industry to identify skills needs and gaps and influence Further Education; Higher Education and Schools on the  delivery of  courses and training to meet industry needs.  All the evidence and data gathered is used to develop the three year Employment and Skills Plan for the region which informs Welsh Government of skills needs now and in the future.

Skills and a ready and available workforce is key to the successful growth of the economy; investment in the region and increased job opportunities for the young generation as they leave education.  The RLSP works with all the businesses from all sectors; key public sector organisations and regional partnerships including the Swansea Bay City Deal, the Haven Waterway Enterprise Zone; Port Talbot Enterprise Zone South Wales Industrial Cluster and the new Freeport. Through our work with partners we aim to:

• Influence post 16 provision of skills across the region.
• Inspire younger generations towards learning pathways that are more aligned to the priority sectors.
• Encouraging NEETs and ex-offenders back into the workforce.
• Inspire older adults to consider upskilling opportunities or career changes, to meet the ever-evolving skills need in priority sectors.
• Driving innovation by encouraging stronger ties between industry and the two universities in our region.

The Employment and Skills Plan

The Employment and Skills Plan is a comprehensive plan prepared for Welsh Government every three years, along with annexes focusing on aspects such as NOS updates, Welsh language skills, and skills needed to deliver Net Zero. The aim of the 2022- 2025 plan is to raise the awareness and need for Green and Digital skills to meet the future investment opportunities that will be generated over the next 10 years in the region.  These skills traverse across all of the priority sectors identified for South West Wales and will continue to be over the next 10 – 15 years.

RLSP Priority Industry Cluster Groups

The RLSP industry cluster groups are employer led industry forums that meet three times a year to discuss matters relating to skills in each sector represented by the RLSP.

RLSP Priority Sectors include:

• Health and Social Care
• Public Sector
• Construction
• Advanced Manufacturing
• Digital
• Energy
• Tourism, Leisure and Retail
• Food and Land Management

If you’re a South West Wales employer who isn’t yet a member of our industry cluster groups, read our booklet here on why you should get involved:

Employer Cluster Groups - Flip PDF | FlipBuilder