Welsh bag EU boost for technical skills in emerging sectors

Wales has benefited from £1.4 million additional EU funding secured last month that will be used to help more than 400 people gain technical skills in new and emerging sectors in energy and power.

The funding will enable the Materials and Manufacturing Education Training and Learning (METaL) scheme raise skills, boost performance and productivity of people looking to drive the growing advanced manufacturing sector.

Aside from supporting technical skills advancement in energy and power sector, the scheme led by Swansea University’s College of Engineering will also back smart manufacturing, materials engineering, circular economy as well as corrosion and coatings technology.

According to the Welsh government, it will also support an extra 60 companies in North, West Wales and the South Wales Valleys.

Mark Drakeford, Welsh Finance Secretary, said: “The Welsh government is committed to ensuring the Welsh workforce is equipped with the skills needed to drive growth and productivity. This is another example of the importance of replacement funding for Wales following Brexit so that future investments can continue to support our ambitions for a sustainable and prosperous Welsh economy.”

Dr Khalil Khan of Swansea University, METaL Project Manager, said: “Securing this EU funding ensures the continuation of a fantastic vehicle for Swansea University to share its knowledge and experience to support Welsh businesses.

“The funding complements the investment of Welsh Government in supporting Welsh businesses, and will benefit industry by ensuring that its workforce have the correct technical knowledge to enable Welsh businesses to compete in a global marketplace.”

The scheme aims to support more than 800 people by the time it is completed in 2022.