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Skills and Talent

The Swansea Bay City Deal Skills and Talent

The Skills and Talent programme delivers a regional solution for the identification and delivery of the skills and training requirements for the 8 Swansea Bay City Deal Projects and the wider investment projects that will be generated through the City Deal.  The programme is specifically focusing on existing needs and future requirements in the following priority sectors:

  • Health and Wellbeing
  • Smart Manufacturing
  • Green Construction
  • Energy
  • Digital

Working alongside partners from the private sector, higher and further education, work-based learning training providers, schools and the third sector, the project team have in the Skills Barometer mapped out gaps in current provision and established the skills and training needed for students, teachers and lecturers and the current workforce, both now and in the future.

Pilot Projects

The Skills and Talent programme offers an opportunity for organisations including education and private sector training providers to apply for funding to develop pilot projects to upskill or deliver new training over a period of 2 years.  The projects must meet one of the priority sectors identified and will need to meet the objectives of the programme.

The Programme has already approved a number of pilot projects, here are summaries to give you an idea of what projects have been funded.

Pilot Project Summaries

Developing a Learning Pathway in Engineering and IT fields

This project sees two Welsh Medium schools in the region (Maes Y Gwendraeth & Bro Myrddin) along with University of Wales Trinity St David working closely together to address a specific skills gap. It offers students the opportunity to achieve a previously unavailable level 2 & 3 qualifications in Engineering and Digital Studies through the medium of Welsh. By working in partnership with the University, the students will gain a greater awareness of the opportunities the sector can provide and help them develop more practical skills using the equipment, and research undertaken by the University. It also provides the opportunity to practice with equipment within the schools, allowing a seamless transition to higher education. Outputs will include: 403 Higher Skilled Individuals gaining a qualification, 4 New/updated Course frameworks developed.

Contact

Partnership Links:

https://maesygwendraeth.org/

https://www.yggbm.org/

https://www.uwtsd.ac.uk/

Pembrokeshire Passport to Employment

The Award winning Pembrokeshire Passport to Employment brings together students and businesses who specialise in the renewable energy sector, creating an industry led framework on Blue-Green Energy which will prepare young talent for upcoming local job opportunities, and will introduce primary and secondary aged pupils towards a career in the ever growing renewable energy sector. It is taught collaboratively between industry, schools and Pembrokeshire college. Outputs will include: 1730 individuals benefiting from increased learning, 30 Higher skilled individuals gaining qualifications, 2 New Career Pathways opportunities developed, 3 New/updated Course Frameworks developed.

View Case Study

Contact

Partnership Links:

https://www.pembrokeshire.ac.uk/

https://www.edf-re.uk/

https://dpenergy.com/

https://www.bluegemwind.com

https://bomborawave.com/

https://ore.catapult.org.uk/

Low Carbon Net Zero Awareness Raising

The issue of carbon reduction in the construction industry is fast developing and much needed, and those with the right skills will be very much in demand. Working closely with the regions Schools and colleges, the low Carbon Net Zero Awareness Raising Project led by Cyfle, who specialise in providing Building Skills Apprenticeships. This region wide project will address the growing need for awareness of net zero and low carbon technologies in the construction sector by introducing industry relevant carbon reduction training. Outputs will include: 2400 individuals benefiting from increased learning, 4 New/updated course frameworks developed.

View Case Study

Contact

Partnership Links:

https://www.cyflebuilding.co.uk/

https://www.csgcc.ac.uk/en

Nurturing Health & Wellbeing in a Digital Sector

The digital health care sector is of critical importance and is a huge growth area, which provides many rewarding careers within the region and beyond. Led by Gowerton Comprehensive School, the innovative Nurturing Health & Wellbeing in a Digital Sector Project is working with schools in the city of Swansea. This will teach 3 -16 year old pupils about life science, health and sports sectors including the development of new technologies to support a healthy and well-balanced lifestyle. Outputs will include: 12,016 Individuals benefiting from increased learning, 1 New career pathway opportunities developed, 1 New/updated course framework developed.

View Case Study

Contact

Partnership Links:

https://gowertonschool.com/

https://www.swansea.gov.uk/

https://careerswales.gov.wales/

Careers in the Digital Sector

Careers in the Digital Sector focuses on the identified need to increase the digital skills of young people to enable them to take advantage of the exciting opportunities within the creative industries, increasing both their digital knowledge and understanding of the importance of digital technologies. This project is delivered by Neath & Port Talbot Council working closely with Yr Egin, Swansea University, Swansea City Waterfront and Digital District, NPTC colleges and a range of private companies to develop career pathway opportunity to attain jobs in this exciting and fast paced sector. Outputs will include: 170 Higher Skilled individuals gaining a qualification,1900 Individuals benefiting from increased learning,1 New career pathway opportunities developed.

View Case Study

k.thomas5@npt.gov.uk

Partnership Links:

https://www.npt.gov.uk/
https://www.swansea.ac.uk/
https://www.nptcgroup.ac.uk/

21st Century Skills

The 21st Century Skills project is developing a practical hands-on, work experience offer for learners. The pilot project is working closely with the construction company Bouygues at their Pentre Awel site to develop a, sustainable Careers and Work Related Experience model. The project is inspiring pupils from Bryngywn, Coedcae, St John Lloyd, Strade and Penrhos primary school to understand and develop the skills required to not only work, but to thrive in the 21st Century Construction sector. Outputs will include: 669 Individuals benefiting from increased learning, 1 New career pathway opportunities developed, 1 New/updated course framework developed.

View Case Study

jdessent@carmarthenshire.gov.uk

Partnership Links:

https://www.bouygues-uk.com/

https://www.carmarthenshire.gov.wales/council-services/

N0W skills

The Net Zero Wales pilot has developed a framework of short micro credential courses designed to address the increasing issue of the green skills gap in manufacturing related industries both in the private and public sectors. This innovative range of courses will help to build knowledge and skills in this crucial area and develop career pathways to support Wales in meeting the national net zero goal. Outputs will include: 70 Higher skilled individuals gaining qualifications, 6 new/updated course frameworks developed.

k.khan@swansea.ac.uk

https://netzeroskills.wales/

Partnership Links:

https://www.swansea.ac.uk/

How Green was my Valley

This engaging pilot project is developing the digital upskilling of teachers and PGCE students across the region. Using the medium of the popular Minecraft game and with a focus on Net Zero, the project is providing in-depth teacher training sessions in the key areas of digital, construction and energy. It will help the teachers and students further engage with primary school children and increase the number of pupils following the STEM subjects in FE and HE. Outputs include: 500 Higher Level Qualifications, Create a Career Pathway for 10,000 pupils.

dean.garza@aspire2be.co.uk

Partnership Links:

5G Technologies Training

Working closely with industry, the focus of this pilot project is on upskilling businesses and their employees in the region with higher level skills in the rapidly expanding area of 5G technologies helping them take advantage of the opportunities it presents. This Pilot project will address the current lack of awareness, by providing the knowledge needed to enable businesses within the region to fully understand 5G’s structure and operability. The training will also be available to people who are currently unemployed, as well as students and people who are looking at a potential career change. Outputs include: 120 Higher skilled individuals gaining qualifications,1 Career pathway opportunity developed.

richard.morgan@uwtsd.ac.uk

Partnership Links:

Futurescape

The Young Dragons – Futurescape Pilot project will introduce pupils to the construction industry using a combination of Virtual Reality and hands-on experience. Using realistic workplace scenarios, the project will help develop key employability skills such as problem solving and creative thinking, as well as enabling the application of maths, science and enterprise skills. Outputs include: 800 Individuals benefitting from increased learning, 1 New Pathway opportunity developed.

dave@eftconsult.co.uk

Partnership Links:

VR/AR Technologies Training Project

This Pilot project will promote the use of VR (Virtual Reality) and AR (Augmented Reality), and the exciting benefits it can bring to the region’s business community. Working closely with industry, this project will design a VR training centre to provide a platform to deliver an exciting learning experience to the region through blended learning, on-line or face to face learning environments. The training will also be available to school leavers, currently unemployed, as well as students and career changers. Outputs include: 500 Higher Skilled Individuals gaining a qualification, 2 New/updated Course frameworks developed.

Chris.rees@uwtsd.ac.uk

Partnership Links:

ECITB – Advanced industrial Drone Course

The industrial sector’s growing use of drones (UAS) in its operations is delivering a range of benefits, from improved safety to increased efficiency and significant cost savings. This crucial project will provide the advanced accredited training for pilots to be able to undertake inspection flights required for regular inspection and identification of plant and equipment in industrial settings. Outputs include: 12 Higher Skilled Individuals gaining a qualification,1 New Pathway opportunity developed, 1 New/updated Course frameworks developed.

reg.rudd@ecitb.org.uk

Partnership Links:

SPARC

SPARC is an innovative pilot project which will encourage females into careers in underrepresented industries across Pembrokeshire. Working closely with schools and industry, the project will work to empower and inspire young women to consider and pursue careers in sustainable power, renewables, engineering and construction to create a more diverse and inclusive workforce for the future. Outputs include: 40 Higher Skilled Individuals gaining a qualification,1173 individuals benefitting from increased learning, 1 New Pathway opportunity developed, 1 New/updated Course frameworks developed.

A.Williams@Pembrokeshire.ac.uk

Partnership Links:

Future Skills for Land & Sea

This project directly addresses a skills need in the region’s growing maritime sector. It will develop a 2 year programme of Pre-Cadetship in maritime studies, delivering courses in maritime specific qualifications and visits to industry. On completion of the programme learners will be offered direct entry onto a fully funded Officer Cadetship. The project will also develop pathways in schools to engage learners with the STEM aspects of marine renewable energy including: renewable energy technologies and project development processes for wave, tidal, onshore wind, solar and offshore wind. Outputs include: 294 Higher Skilled Individuals gaining a qualification, 1 New Pathway opportunity created, 3 New/updated Course frameworks developed.

A.Williams@Pembrokeshire.ac.uk

Partnership Links:

Construct Net Zero – Not business as usual

Construct Net Zero – Not business as usual will provide a range of innovative courses in energy-saving building techniques, delivered by industry experts with a combination of practical and theoretical work education at various levels. Based on ‘Fabric First’ design, the project will work closely with partners in industry, higher and further education, schools and the third sector to establish the training need and build a unified Net-Zero construction curriculum across the whole spectrum from Level 1 to Level 7. This project will enable the region to pioneer a proposed integrated education and skills matrix that will support its’ built environment and help achieve its’ decarbonisation targets. Outputs include: 450 Higher Skilled Individuals gaining a qualification.

gareth.w.evans@uwtsd.ac.uk

Partnership Links:

Swansea University AGOR skills – Sport Health and Wellbeing

This Pilot Project addresses the skills gap in the rapidly growing sector of Sport, Health and Wellbeing. It will take advantage of the wealth of opportunities arising around the City Deal Campuses and the Pentre Awel development. Working closely with businesses, this exciting project offers a collaborative environment for online and in-person learning, hosting innovative courses, explainers and events for a range of market led, sector focused skills. It will connect learners, educators and the organisations who will require their skills. Outputs include: 50 Higher Skilled Individuals gaining a qualification,1 New Pathway opportunity developed, 3 New/updated Course frameworks developed.

g.h.davies@swansea.ac.uk

Partnership Links:

Fit for Offshore Renewables Wales

Ore Catapult Fit for Offshore Renewables (F40R) project will provide a unique service to help prepare the regions supply chain to bid for work in the ever growing and competitive offshore renewable energy sector. It will support a wide range of the region’s businesses to develop or diversify into the sector both locally and globally, offering tailored advice and the opportunity to grow a network of supply chain contacts. Once the company is F4OR ‘granted’, it will be promoted to industry contacts who would be potential future customers. This project will ensure that the region has the supply chain and skills necessary to deliver on it’s renewable energy targets. Outputs include: 80 Higher skilled individuals.

davood.sabaei@ore.catapult.org.uk

Partnership Links:

Energy Transition Hub

This UK first will see the establishment of a Control Room Operator facility based in Pembrokeshire College. With a room capable of training groups of 24 learners, including students and existing workforce, the facility will accurately emulate the environment seen in all major energy plants in the region. This will include both current facilities such as Oil refinery, LNG plants, Power Station and Food and Drink facilities, as well as future plants such as Offshore Floating Wind and Hydrogen plants. This unique training facility will enable individuals who are looking to work in these sectors to gain an understanding of how the Control Room Controls and operates the plant. Outputs include: 450 Higher Skilled Individuals.

a.williams@pembrokeshire.ac.uk

Partnership Links:

https://www.pembrokeshire.ac.uk/

Hydrogen Safe

This pilot project will develop and deliver innovative training courses for the region’s rapidly growing hydrogen industry using cutting-edge 360-degree immersive filming techniques. It addresses the skills gap in the region’s hydrogen industry and will help develop a skilled workforce, better able to compete on the global stage. This project will also have a significant impact on the hydrogen industry in the region by attracting new investment and promoting the industry to a global audience. Outputs include: 100 higher skilled individuals.

Rachael Burns rachael@wawwa.io

Partnership Links:

https://hydrogensafewales.org/

Green Work Experience

The Green Work Experience Project is a crucial initiative that practically addresses the Net Zero Agenda. It offers onsite placements to participants with coordinated learning and mentoring support throughout. Working closely with local businesses it will build awareness and routes into net zero construction. It covers both new build and retrofit and includes the new technologies such as heat source pumps, solar, thermal and other renewables that reduce energy and carbon emissions. It will equip the participants with an understanding of the new skills and technology that will allow them to thrive in the net zero environment. Outputs include: 80 Higher skills individuals, 80 Apprenticeships created, 20 Jobs created.

anthony.rees@colegsirgar.ac.uk

Partnership Links:

Renewable Horizons

This innovative STEM education project focuses on the renewable energy industry, with particular emphasis on the growing offshore wind generation and solar farm sector. Working closely with industry partners, the project will design a new qualification for Key Stage 3 learners covering themes and skills that will act as an entry point to the renewable energy sector. The project will engage 40 schools across the region to deliver this unique hands-on learning experience and inspire learners to expand their knowledge of the sector and the range of opportunities it can offer. Outputs include: 1 Career Pathway Developed, 1 New Framework Developed, 800 pupils engaged with additional skills.

nathan@rewise.co.uk

Partnership Links:

https://www.rewise.co.uk/

Future Workforce Skills

Led by Gower College, this project sees the region’s colleges working in partnership to deliver work relevant skills to 5000 individuals. The project will support demand led interventions at level 3 and above to address key skills gaps in the labour market which will support economic growth and individual progression. It is designed to meet the needs of employers, facilitating organisational growth and adaptability to economic and labour market challenges and supporting individuals to prosper and progress within the labour market. Outputs include: 4500 Higher Skilled individuals gaining a qualification, 80 New courses developed/updated.

Advancing Skills in Technology and Robotics Applications (ASTRA)

This project sees the establishment of a cutting-edge Automation Lab within Neath Port Talbot College to address the evolving needs of the region’s engineering sector. It will support the development of new units in the current curriculum, specifically around smart factory and logic controllers. Working closely with local industry, this will allow students to be exposed to advanced equipment and tools giving them a hands-on, clear career pathway and progression opportunities in this new technology. Outputs include: 20 higher skilled individuals, 20 individuals with additional skills.

Contact