1. Overview of Skills Issues in North Wales IWAN THOMAS Regional Skills & Employment Coordinator On behalf of the North Wales Economic Ambitions Board

2. The Economic Ambition Board Consensus amongst partners to provide the basis for clear, strong and focused direction Stronger emphasis on delivery within key priority areas Cross sector representation to reflect the needs of the regional economy Involvement by the private sector is key to providing a rounded approach

3. Priority Programme Areas Energy & Environment Advanced Manufacturing Destination North Wales ‘Skills & Employment’, ‘Infrastructure’, and ‘Procurement’, are items which underpin each of the above

4. Regional Plan -does one size fit all? Acknowledgement of diversity within the region Sub-regional culture Local priorities Underpinned by commonalities which all can share

5. Our current and future target market Currently 123,684 young people aged 0-15 in North Wales (17.9%) Currently 75,638 young people aged 16-24 in North Wales (10.95%)

6. Your Future Workforce…? Academic achievement in North Wales continues to increase and exceed the Welsh average How do we support, develop and retain this talent? Academic Year 2011-12 / Welsh average 51.1% Source: North Wales Economic Observatory / Welsh Government, 2012

7. EU Funding opportunities…? The current Economic Framework document for skills and employment focuses on: Pre-employment Pre-employment – Young people in education & training (incl. NEETS) – Unemployed and economically inactive In-employment In-employment – Those currently in employment with skills needs and wishing to progress Underpinned by engagement with the private sector to tailor skills to employer needs Underpinned by engagement with the private sector to tailor skills to employer needs

8. Economic Opportunities – Skills Needs? New Wylfa powerstation Wind & marine power developments Gwynt y Mor Holyhead waterfront development Surf Snowdonia Colwyn Bay regeneration Llandudno hotel investments

9. Economic Opportunities – Skills Needs? Rhyl regeneration 21 st Century Schools Northern Gateway development within Deeside Enterprise Zone North Wales Energy from Waste facility North Wales Advanced Manufacturing Skills & Technology Park

10. Economic Opportunities – Skills Needs? Hydro Electric Scheme Llanberis Pwllheli Sailing Academy Caernarfon by-pass New Wrexham Prison New housing and business units

11. Issues to be addressed? Employability skills of our young people More coordinated exposure to employers and work experience Promotion of regional and local economic priorities More coordinated employer engagement with schools, colleges and universities aligned with above Mapping of future opportunities to help inform curriculum planning

12. The Regional Plan 12 month timeline Engagement with public and private sector Endorsement once complete, by the North Wales Economic Ambition Board To be used/adopted by regional partners as a guide and evidence base going forward Revisited and updated as required Supporting partners & the regional economy

13. Diolch yn fawr / Thank you IWAN THOMAS Regional Skills & Employment Coordinator On behalf of the North Wales Economic Ambitions Board IwanThomas@gwynedd.gov.uk Iwan.Thomas@dataunitwales.gov.uk