£34m scheme to improve skills in west Wales and the Valleys
ALMOST 8,000 people in Wales' most deprived regions will be helped to improve their skills through a £34m work-based learning programme.
Education minister Jane Hutt announced the programme for west Wales and the Valleys.
It is aimed at working people wanting to improve their skills and develop careers, but who are unable to commit to full-time education, or are not ready to undertake a qualification such as a degree.
The scheme will offer flexible, learning opportunities at NVQ Level 4 and above, tailored to the needs of the workplace with credits that can be counted towards other higher level qualifications.
Institutions, led by the University of Glamorgan, will collaborate with almost 1,000 employers to deliver learning in the workplace, enabling businesses to benefit.
It is backed with £19.5m from the Convergence European Social Fund through the Welsh Assembly Government, and match-funding from higher education institutions and the private sector.
Ms Hutt said: "The work-based learning programme offers a practical solution to those in employment who want to gain higher level skills."
Martyn Jeffries, University of Glamorgan, said: "It is hoped that the programme make a real impact during this difficult economic time."