First Convention for Wales
A unique event flew the flag for Wales last week and put
employment issues and employer needs in the Welsh spotlight. As
well as showcasing the strengths of the Welsh labour market. The
event was the first Welfare to Work Wales Convention and we led on
it in partnership with Jobcentre Plus and the Welsh Assembly
Government.
Amongst the prestigious speakers were Rhodri Morgan, First
Minister for Wales, Keith Faulkner, our Managing Director, and
Colin Davies, Operations Manager for South Wales. Colin led one of
the break out sessions whilst Keith led the final plenary of the
Convention.
Rhodri Morgan said: “Economic inactivity is much less of a
problem than it was when devolution started, but it remains one of
the biggest challenges facing this country. Progress is being made
towards tackling this problem, with many initiatives which allow
people to develop the necessary skills to successfully compete for
jobs. This convention will explore how the Assembly Government can
develop new and innovative approaches to make further progress in
this area."
This convention also provided an opportunity to consult on the
Welsh Assembly Government’s new Skills and Employment strategy
'Skills That Work for Wales'. This new strategy outlines the
activity required to boost Wales’ prosperity with consideration for
the needs of employers and jobseekers.
We are delighted to be identified with such an important
conference at a time of change when delegates can not only learn
about, but also help shape, the way forward in Wales.”
Left to right:
Colin Davies, Marcella Maxwell, and Rhodri
Morgan
Policy makers and practitioners shared their expertise on what
works in delivering employment and skills programmes. And the
Convention also focused on the good practice and innovative
delivery already taking place. Issues covered during the event
included closing the employment gap, integrating skills and
employment and boosting local economies through regeneration.
Keith Faulkner said: “Working Links is delighted to see some of
the traditional policy boundaries being breached between skills and
employment, between welfare reform and economic progression and
between national and local delivery planning. We have argued for a
more integrated approach. One that can be responsive to local
challenges at an individual and community level and able to better
utilise the financial and human resources that, in the past, have
sometimes provided overlapping or conflicting support or left
unintended gaps in provision."