This year, ColegauCymru, on behalf of their member colleges, signed an agreement with Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) in a move to support the provision of construction qualifications and support for learners, apprentices and employers across Wales.
This comes as the industry continues to demand talent, qualifications and skills that are fit for purpose, future proofed and that will support the Welsh economy in the long term. The Agreement will strengthen the relationship between FE colleges and the construction industry in Wales.
ColegauCymru Strategic Work-based learning Group Chair, Dr Barry Walters, said,
“The signing of this Agreement comes at a time of great change for the construction sector in Wales, with significant recent investment in the provision and delivery of qualifications and skills. This partnership is key to ensuring that learners and apprentices receive the appropriate training and skills required to be able to make a valuable contribution to the industry and economy.
We’re pleased to establish a new working relationship with CITB which shows our collective commitment to continue to strive for excellence through raising skills benchmarks, adding value to the construction workforce and business development activities.”
CITB Engagement Director for Wales, Julia Stevens, added,
“The demand for a breadth of quality construction roles continues to increase. It’s essential that we continue to work closely with FE colleges and stakeholders across Wales to best serve the needs of learners, employers and the industry more broadly.
“The Agreement will also help to ensure that learners receive the correct training and skills, and support the construction industry to have a skilled, competent and inclusive workforce now and in the future.”
Learning Area Manager for The Built Environment at Gower College Swansea, Hannah Pearce, said,
“We are thrilled to continue our longstanding partnership with CITB, which has allowed us to successfully navigate changes in construction qualifications, increase engagement between our learners and employers through exciting initiatives such as See Your Site and much more. As the industry and qualifications continue to evolve, we are grateful for CITB's support and commitment to our learners, and we look forward to strengthening our relationship even further in the years to come."