Should Business Lead the Skills Agenda?

Should Business Lead the Skills Agenda?

Author: Business News Wales November 20, 2024 Duration: 29:44

What role should employers play in developing the skills agenda for the future? Host Carwyn Jones is joined by Richard Spear, Managing Director of ACT Training and Chair of ALS, and Phil Jardine, Partner at Blake Morgan, to discuss whether business needs to work more closely with government and academia when it comes to skills. 


The future of Wales depends on the strength of its people and their capabilities. Skills Wales, produced by Business News Wales, tackles the pressing questions at the intersection of education, industry, and economic development. This monthly podcast goes beyond surface-level discussion to examine the complex challenges in building a skilled workforce that can meet tomorrow's demands. Each conversation assembles a panel of voices from across the spectrum-industry experts who know what skills are needed on the ground, key stakeholders shaping policy, and public sector officials implementing change. Together, they dissect the practical realities of skills provision, from early education pathways to lifelong professional development. Listeners will hear frank debates about aligning training with emerging sectors, fostering innovation within traditional industries, and ensuring equitable access to opportunity across the nation. The dialogue in this podcast is rooted in the specific context of Wales, making it an essential listen for educators, business leaders, and anyone invested in the nation's prosperity. It’s a forum where the blueprint for Wales' talent pipeline is actively discussed and debated, offering nuanced perspectives you won't find in a simple news report. By focusing on these critical conversations, the podcast provides a unique lens on how strategic investment in people directly influences both community resilience and national competitiveness.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 7

People & Skills
Podcast Episodes
Building the Future - The Benefits of Investing in Apprenticeships [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:33
As National Apprenticeship Week 2026 celebrates the value of apprenticeships, host Gemma Casey is joined by Malcolm Holland, Managing Director of Flotek, Nicola Fourie, Apprenticeship Academy Co-ordinator at Hywel Dda He…
What Are Green Skills? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:58
‘Green skills’ are often talked about as a key part of Wales’ transition towards sustainability and net-zero goals. Host Carwyn Jones is joined by Russell Greenslade of CBI Wales, Jane Lewis of South West Wales Regional…
The Power of Apprenticeships: Unlocking Potential for Wales [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:19
Host Gemma Casey is joined by Sharon James-Evans of Cardiff & Vale College; Lisa Mytton of the National Training Federation for Wales; Brandon Jones of CSconnected; Jack Sargeant, Welsh Government ‘s Minister for Culture…
Addressing Skills Shortages in the Food and Drink Industry [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:51
What skills does the food and drink manufacturing sector in Wales need to nurture to continue to thrive? Host Carwyn Jones is joined by Kate Rees of Food & Drink Skills Wales, Chris Butler of Radnor Hills, and Sarah Drum…
Open University Business Barometer 2024 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:35
Host Gemma Casey and guests Sharon Davidson, Associate Lecturer, The Open University (OU); Darren Jones, Senior Manager for Partnerships, OU in Wales; and Cerith Rhys Jones, Senior Manager for External Affairs, OU in Wal…
Skills Wales: Innaugural Show Teaser [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14
A teaser reel of the upcoming inaugural episode of Skills Wales. Featuring host Gemma Casey, with guests Sharon Davidson, Darren Jones, and Cerith Rhys Jones from the Open University