June 10, 2026 - 184 views
The Welsh Government has announced a major review of vocational skills training as it seeks to ensure Wales has the workforce needed to meet the demands of a rapidly changing economy.
The package of reforms, unveiled by Deputy Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Cefin Campbell at a National Training Federation for Wales event in Cardiff, includes a nationwide skills audit and plans for a Future Skills Summit later this year.
The skills audit is already underway and is gathering evidence from across Wales to identify current strengths, gaps and future opportunities. Early findings will help shape discussions at the Future Skills Summit, due to take place in autumn 2026.
The summit will bring together employers, educators, training providers and policymakers to help design a vocational training system that better reflects the needs of businesses and emerging industries.
The Welsh Government says the reforms are intended to create a skills system that is fit for the future, ensuring education and training opportunities are aligned with labour market demand and the economic opportunities expected to emerge over the coming years.
Speaking at the event, Mr Campbell said Wales was at a “pivotal moment” for skills development.
“We are at a pivotal moment for skills in Wales. Wales has real strengths, a talented workforce, strong employers and excellent training providers. We need to make sure those strengths are fully realised,” he said.
“The skills audit we are undertaking will give us a clearer picture of where the gaps are and where the opportunities lie. The Future Skills Summit will be a chance for employers, learners and providers to help shape the reforms that follow.”
The announcement comes as Wales, like the rest of the UK, faces growing demand for skilled workers in sectors including advanced manufacturing, construction, engineering, digital technology, renewable energy, health and social care.
Apprenticeships are expected to play a central role in any future reforms. According to the Welsh Government, apprenticeships support thousands of learners and businesses each year, helping people gain practical skills while earning a wage.
Lisa Mytton, strategic director of the National Training Federation for Wales, welcomed the move.
“Today’s announcement is an important step towards building a skills system in Wales that is ambitious, responsive and future focused,” she said.
“Apprenticeships have a vital role to play in delivering the skilled workforce our economy needs.
“The skills audit and Future Skills Summit provide a valuable opportunity to ensure apprenticeships continue to evolve, remain relevant to the needs of employers and create clear pathways into sustainable, high-quality employment.”
Further details about the Future Skills Summit and the next stages of the reform programme are expected to be announced in the coming months.
