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Skill investment 'key to future' | |
(about 5 hours later) | |
A report by MPs on the impact of global markets on Wales says more needs to be done to improve skills. | A report by MPs on the impact of global markets on Wales says more needs to be done to improve skills. |
The Welsh affairs committee highlights what it describes as "existing skills gaps", particularly in science. | |
The MPs say both the UK and assembly governments need to work with the higher education sector on the issue. | The MPs say both the UK and assembly governments need to work with the higher education sector on the issue. |
The committee chairman, Aberavon MP Hywel Francis, said improving skills must be a priority for long-term growth and prosperity in Wales. | |
"The economic climate has changed significantly since the committee began this inquiry into globalisation over two years ago," said Dr Francis. We also need a radical overhaul of state funding for skills training Cheryl Gillan MP, shadow Welsh secretary | |
"We are convinced, from the evidence we heard, that a strong skills base is the key to maintaining levels of employment in Wales and addressing the challenges of globalisation. | "We are convinced, from the evidence we heard, that a strong skills base is the key to maintaining levels of employment in Wales and addressing the challenges of globalisation. |
"Re-skilling and up-skilling the Welsh workforce must be a priority in order to secure long-term growth for the economy and prosperity for the people of Wales." | "Re-skilling and up-skilling the Welsh workforce must be a priority in order to secure long-term growth for the economy and prosperity for the people of Wales." |
Steel jobs | Steel jobs |
The report is the second from the committee since it started its inquiry two years ago into how global market conditions and trends affect the economy of Wales. | The report is the second from the committee since it started its inquiry two years ago into how global market conditions and trends affect the economy of Wales. |
It notes that one recent example was the announcement that steelmaker Corus is to shed 1,100 jobs in Wales, due to a worldwide slump in demand. | It notes that one recent example was the announcement that steelmaker Corus is to shed 1,100 jobs in Wales, due to a worldwide slump in demand. |
The cross-party committee highlights farming and food production as helping Wales develop a global reputation for excellence. | The cross-party committee highlights farming and food production as helping Wales develop a global reputation for excellence. |
The report argues that Welsh companies can build on that to offer "premium goods and services that cannot be sourced abroad". | The report argues that Welsh companies can build on that to offer "premium goods and services that cannot be sourced abroad". |
Cheryl Gillan, the Conservatives' shadow Welsh secretary, backed the committee's recommendations, adding: "This report's findings chime with what we have long argued - that the Westminster and assembly governments need to invest in skills as a cornerstone of economic recovery. | |
"We also need a radical overhaul of state funding for skills training to ensure more money reaches the frontline where it is needed most." | "We also need a radical overhaul of state funding for skills training to ensure more money reaches the frontline where it is needed most." |
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