All posts by Lisa Baker

News

Industry leaders to attend summit focused on ‘brain drain’ of young Welsh workers

THE cream of skills and industry will lead a business summit focused on ways to prevent talented youngsters leaving Wales to pursue career opportunities over the border.

Hosted by Antur Cymru Enterprise, up to 80 decision makers and learners are expected to attend the event, which takes place on Thursday October 20 at Canolfan yr Egin, Carmarthen.

The programme will be chaired by Mid and West Wales MS Cefin Campbell, and topics to be discussed include youth entrepreneurship, the Young Persons Guarantee, the national recruitment crisis and ‘old perceptions vs new realities’, helping young people navigate their working lives.

Among the speakers are Careers Wales Chief Executive Nikki Lawrence; Emma Benger, Senior Programme Delivery Manager for Employability and Skills at the Welsh Government; Llinos Price from Big Ideas Wales, CDI (Careers Development Institute) President and Chair, Carolyn Parry, and Scott James, founder of Coaltown Coffee Roasters in Ammanford.

Bronwen Raine, Managing Director of Antur Cymru, will also deliver a presentation as the Newcastle Emlyn-based organisation marks 45 years of support and service to entrepreneurship and training of individuals and organisations in rural areas across the country.

“We are delighted to have such incredible speakers join us for what is a very important conference at a time when Wales – like the rest of the UK – is facing unprecedented challenges in multiple sectors,” she said.

“There are opportunities out there for young people so it’s important we shine a light on them and work closely with schools, colleges, and universities to collaborate and showcase the benefits of helping boost the economy right here on their doorstep.

“As well as presentations by leading names we will have breakout sessions, a panel discussion and there will be an opportunity for attendees to share their experiences and thoughts on how together we can address these issues and make a difference for generations to come.”

Professor Emeritus Andy Penaluna from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David is also to deliver a talk on Enterprise, Entrepreneurship, and International Perspectives.

Currently working for the Welsh National Academy for Educational Leadership to develop innovative educational leaders, he is assisting UNESCO to respond to the need for entrepreneurial Rectors and Vice Chancellors in the Caribbean and South America, having received a Lifetime Queens Award for Enterprise Promotion and been named on the Maserati 100 Entrepreneurs list.

“The summit is extremely timely as post-pandemic we have less confident learners who may struggle to reach their potential, both in entrepreneurial opportunities and in employment, especially within small firms,” said Professor Penaluna.

“In my talk I’ll be sharing perspectives from my time with the United Nations and European Commission, where I’ll be highlighting what competencies have been identified and where Wales stands in developing initiatives to help young people learn them.”

Limited spaces are available for the summit, which runs from 9am-4pm. To book your place, email elewis@anturcymru.org.uk.

For more information, visit the website: www.anturcymru.org.uk.

News

Thousands from across Wales to attend returning SkillsCymru exhibition

THOUSANDS of visitors are set to descend on South Wales for a much-anticipated celebration of careers and education.

SkillsCymru 2022 will be held at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff over two days from Wednesday October 19.

Organised by Optimus Education – part of Shaw Trust – the free event is accessible for the whole family as a ‘Twilight Session’ will be held for parents and carers from 4pm-6.30pm on the opening day.

There they will be able to join their children in discovering the latest advice on careers, training courses and qualifications and make informed choices about their future.

With up to 45 exhibitors and more than 5,000 visitors expected to be in attendance, there will be plenty on offer for school and college groups to enjoy, including interactive workshops, presentations, and hands-on demonstrations across a range of careers.

Steph Reynolds, Director at Optimus Education, said the expo will give learners a post-pandemic boost following the challenges of past years.

“We have had an incredible response and are delighted to welcome people back to the Motorpoint Arena at such an important time for industries across Wales,” she said.

“Many sectors are facing a recruitment crisis or skills shortages, so this is a huge opportunity for private and public sector employers to showcase their industries to Wales’s future workforce.”

Steph added: “SkillsCymru is a platform for young people, their parents, and carers to discover what jobs and skills are in-demand in Wales today to help them better understand possible career paths they may want to explore.

“Importantly, with the support of schools and colleges across the country we can prepare future generations for the world of work, which is ever-changing.

“By including the evening ‘Twilight Session’ we have opened-up the exhibition to more people who may have been unable to attend, so we hope to see a good response to that.

“We thank people for their interest so far and look forward to seeing you there.”

SkillsCymru is delivered in partnership with the Welsh Government as part of its Young Person’s Guarantee, a new commitment to ensure that there is no lost generation in Wales following the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Young Person’s Guarantee will guarantee an offer of support for every child or young person aged between 16 and 25 who lives in Wales, to gain a place in education or training, or help to get into work or become self-employed.

Attendees will benefit from direct exposure to some of Wales’s biggest and most exciting employers – including South Wales Police, Cardiff Council and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service – and training providers to give them the best chance of finding a course or job that’s right for them.

Economy Minister Vaughan Gething said: “This event, which is free and open to anyone from the ages of 15 right up to 24, is a great opportunity to meet potential employers and to find out about the skills and training needed to enter an industry of your choice.

“Our Young Person’s Guarantee is striving to make sure no-one is left behind following the Covid pandemic. In doing so we will futureproof the thriving business communities we have here in Wales.

“Able to be held in person again for this first time since 2019, SkillsCymru has so much to offer. You’ll find advice, interactive demonstrations and maybe even a touch of inspiration to spur you on to your next education or training journey.”

SkillsCymru 2022 will take place on Wednesday October 19 from 9:30am-3pm and 4pm-6:30pm, and on Thursday October 20 from 9:30am-3pm.

For more information and to register for the free event, please visit skillsevents.com or email visitors@optimus-education.com.

News

College unveils raft of mental health courses to support employers in ‘uncharted territory’

COLEG CAMBRIA has unveiled a raft of mental health courses to help employers meet workplace challenges post-pandemic.

The flexible programmes will be delivered online and in-person via the college’s Northop Business School.

Led by Mental Health and Wellbeing lecturer Caroline McDermott, these include Level 2 and Level 3 post-Covid Introduction to Mental Health Awareness; Certificate in Mental Health; Mental Health First Aid Wales, and NEBOSH Working with Wellbeing.

Personal Learning Account (PLA) funding is available (subject to eligibility) and there are places available on the Introduction to First Aid for Mental Health and Mental Health for Managers courses in the coming weeks.

“Given the challenges of Covid-19 and the pressures facing employers and staff the focus on mental health and wellbeing is sharper than ever before,” said Caroline, who also works with MIND mental health charity.

“We’ve designed programmes around key themes picked up when speaking to people in the private and public sectors and received a lot of positive feedback.

“We can tailor programmes for specific businesses or industries if there is demand, and the partnerships we have with organisations such as Highfield, IOSH and NEBOSH ensure content is always up to date and reflects modern working life.

“Whether it’s here at the Business School, online or in the workplace, we are in a prime position to help organisations at a time when they need it most.”

Caroline revealed there are also plans IOSH Occupational Health and Wellbeing, and further courses to run in the new year centred on careers in mental health and digging deeper into mental health conditions.

Professions including construction, farming, medical and veterinary, and hair and beauty are among those which have experienced high levels of mental health problems, suicide rates and stress.

Jane Keys, Assistant Principal for Employer Engagement at Northop Business School, urged senior managers, HR teams and directors to get in touch to find out more on how the college can support them with these issues.

“The pandemic has been uncharted territory for all of us and gave employers a set of new problems never faced before, from lockdown and self-isolation to the technological and social challenges of home working,” she said.

“Some have introduced new policies and even mental health champions who can take responsibility for the wellbeing of colleagues.

“Our programmes envelop these factors and financial support may be available, so we encourage people to get in touch and find out more.”

The courses will be running throughout 2022. For more information, email caroline.mcdermott1@cambria.ac.uk, visit employers@cambria.ac.uk or call 0300 30 30 006.

For more news and information from Coleg Cambria, visit www.cambria.ac.uk.

News

Health and wellbeing events to support North Wales community post-pandemic

EVENTS designed to promote health and wellbeing, charities and small businesses will take place in Ruthin over the coming months.

Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council (DVSC) has lined up online and in-person activities – held at the town’s revamped Market Hall – to support the local community post-pandemic.

Supported by the UK Government’s Community Referral Fund, they include four virtual health, fitness and nutrition workshops beginning today (October 6) with Elen Lloyd, a certified exercise and holistic lifestyle coach with the CHEK Institute, an award-winning education provider.

“I’m a working mother and farmer’s wife so life is always busy, but I believe in a holistic approach to health by moving, eating well and finding time for yourself,” said Elen.

“Over the course of the four sessions I’ll give tips on how to live a healthy and fulfilled life – which is more important than ever given the challenges of the last few years – using the ‘Four Doctors Method’ which covers diet, quiet, happiness and movement.

“These will be simple and realistic changes which could make a big difference to people’s lives, so I hope they will join me to find out more.”

DVSC recently held business development workshops for the county’s market traders and food producers and in the run up to Christmas the Ruthin Market Hall is to host family barbecue and pizza nights, a Wear It Pink cancer awareness coffee morning and a free Halloween disco.

There will also be regular meetings with Ruthin Town Churches, who unite people concerned about their futures and end of life, as part of their Grave Matters series.

Following the unveiling of a new partnership with Ruthin Artisan Markets CIC, which will continue to develop events and exhibitions at the Market Street venue, DVSC Chief Officer Tom Barham said even more will be done to improve the local offering for residents and visitors.

“Ruthin is a vibrant town with a strong sense of community, so we are delighted to announce these upcoming activities,” he added.

“And with the market itself now open on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays we look forward to welcoming even more people and giving independent producers a platform to showcase their products.

“The Market Hall is the beating heart of Ruthin and with the plans we have for the rest of 2022 and beyond that looks set to continue for many years to come.”

Visit www.dvsc.co.uk for more on the DVSC. Alternatively, follow them on Facebook at @DVSCDenbighshire, Instagram @DVSC_Denbighshire and Twitter @DVSC_Wales.

For tickets to the online workshops with Elen Lloyd, visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/united-kingdom–denbighshire/elen-lloyd/

News

Law firm continues expansion into North West with new city office

A LEADING law firm continued its expansion into the North West by opening a new city centre office.

Mackenzie Jones Solicitors – which also has sites in St Asaph and Menai Bridge – has taken on premises in Chester.

Director Andrew Foley-Jones will be based at the Watergate Street building, along with commercial and real estate solicitor Sara Parry and legal secretary Holly Wilkes.

“We have continued to grow post-pandemic, with new clients from the Cheshire region and beyond joining us all the time,” said Andrew, from Prestatyn.

“As a result, we decided to strengthen our presence in this area and build on the foundations laid in past years.

“The new office will enable us to better serve existing clients and embrace new business nationally, notably in the commercial, property, tourism, and retail sectors.

“And with the innovations adopted in lockdown, including virtual meetings, we can be more efficient than ever before.”

Marking 21 years in business, the award-winning legal practice employs more than 25 staff and holds a raft of prestigious accreditations, including Lexcel, CQS, SIA and the Legal 500.

Sara, from Llandudno, says the new base will enable the team to capitalise on a surge of interest in their services.

“We have navigated the challenges of Covid-19 and are in a strong position moving forward,” she added.

“Mackenzie Jones is perfectly placed to meet the demand we are experiencing in numerous areas, it’s an exciting time for us and we are delighted to start a new chapter in new surroundings.”

For more information, visit www.macjones.com or call 0800 328 4466. Alternatively, follow Mackenzie Jones Solicitors on Facebook and LinkedIn at @macjoneslaw.

Education, Jobs

North Wales jobs team receive prestigious careers award

COLEG CAMBRIA received a prestigious award after developing new guidance for employability staff and students.

The Jobs Growth Wales+ team at Deeside was lauded for introducing a long-term strategy for lecturers, learners, and support workers at the college.

The department’s successful pilot project saw them presented with the acclaimed Careers Development Award from Careers Wales.

The award was designed to recognise an educational establishment’s “commitment to continuous quality improvement” and meet the Welsh Government’s statutory entitlement for Careers and the World of Work for 11 to 19 year-olds in Wales.

Whilst institutions can receive the award after working towards it for a year, the commitment lasts for three years and involves a cyclical process of auditing the current careers support provision, self-evaluating and implementing a plan to develop this further.

Employability Mentor and Jobs Growth Wales+ Curriculum Lead Paula Blundell, and Samantha Moore, Curriculum Director of Jobs Growth Wales+, have led on the scheme for Cambria since January.

“We were pleased to be the first at Cambria to take this on as in future all areas of the college will follow suit,” said Paula.

“It was a chance for us to focus on employability needs, reflect on our approach and standards for staff and students – and look at what we do well and where we can improve.

“It was a really useful exercise and will allow us to be even more efficient going forward.”

Samantha added: “It encompassed everything from our Welsh language provision to health and safety and other legislation and was followed up by a plan targeting specific areas so we could draw-up bespoke actions for our team and the learners.

“We focused on the Welsh language, numeracy and literacy, and wellbeing and resilience given the challenges of the pandemic.

“This will be of huge value to our staff and students so we would like to thank Careers Wales for their support and this award.”

Mark Owen, Head of Services to Stakeholders at Careers Wales, said: “We’re delighted to have presented the Careers Development Award to Coleg Cambria this year.

“It’s so important that those continuing into post-16 education are receiving the right guidance and support that they need to plan their future careers effectively.

“Working with our CWRE coordinators to develop a robust careers and world of work programme can have many benefits, including improving young people’s self-esteem, enhancing their career exploration and decision-making skills and progressing educational outcomes.

“We look forward to continue working closely with Coleg Cambria to support the further development of careers support to their students.”

Visit www.cambria.ac.uk for more news and information from Coleg Cambria.

For more from Careers Wales, visit the website: www.careerswales.gov.wales.

Education, Food & Drink

Leading college signs up to national scheme supporting food and drink industry

A LEADING Welsh college has signed up to a national scheme designed to support employment and skills in the food and drink industry.

Coleg Cambria, which has sites in Wrexham, Deeside, Llysfasi and Northop, has backed the Food and Drink Careers Passport initiative, which will provide training and qualifications in areas including food handling, health and safety and allergens awareness.

Work-based Learning Manager Kate Muddiman attended the launch, held at the House of Commons in London, and said: “Given the demand for new recruits in this sector the scheme will hopefully go some way to helping bridge the gap while supporting candidates through experience and education.

“Many of the UK’s biggest companies have pledged their support and there will be a focus on online learning so it will be an accessible and flexible way to explore opportunities in the industry and further afield.”

She added: “At Cambria we are well connected to the sector, in our region and nationally, so we are proud to support this and play our part in helping to shine a light on the amazing careers to be had in the food and drink arena.”

Launched by the National Skills Academy for Food and Drink (NSAFD) and the Food and Drink Federation (FDF), the Careers Passport will speed up interview short-listing and job onboarding, saving time and money for manufacturers, and fast-tracking eager and committed new talent.

There are currently 6.3 vacancies per 100 employers in food and drink manufacturing – 50% more than the national average. This initiative is an important step in helping industry tackle that issue.

Louise Cairns, Chief Executive of the NSAFD, said: “The Careers Passport represents a step change in how the industry is opening its doors to eager new talent. It’s positive proof that Passport holders have made a choice to seek a career in food and drink and put the work in to prove it.

“More and more companies are recognising the value the Passport offers – both to their business and to jobseekers.

“Alongside the FDF, we’ve been delighted by the weight of industry interest and involvement to date and we’re certain the official launch will make the Passport a familiar part of future recruitment strategies.”

Among the businesses supporting the scheme are Mars, Coca-Cola, Britvic, Pukka and Premier Foods.

For more information, visit the website: www.fdcp.co.uk.

Visit www.cambria.ac.uk for the latest news and information from Coleg Cambria.

News

Top 10 ranked Pioneer School unveils new curriculum ahead of national rollout

A LEADING school is helping to shape education in Wales after unveiling a new curriculum and bright vision for the future.

Ysgol Eirias in Colwyn Bay was among a group of ‘Pioneer Schools’ focused on teaching methods and staff development and training, having applied to Welsh Government to be part of the process of improving the education system.

As part of that movement, the school has introduced a new curriculum for Year 7 pupils in past weeks – ahead of a national rollout in 2023 – and having embraced technological advances during the Covid-19 pandemic is well placed to support learners for years to come.

Ahead of its open evening on Wednesday October 5, headteacher Sarah Sutton said Ysgol Eirias – named among the Top 10 Sunday Times ‘Parent Power’ high-performing schools in Wales – will be in an even stronger position post-pandemic.

“We were one of the first pioneer schools as part of the new Curriculum for Wales, which was an honour for all of us,” said Mrs Sutton.

“It has developed over the last five years and stalled due to the pandemic, but we are pleased to have now implemented the changes.

“The idea behind it was more about culture than content, so as one of the few early adopters of the curriculum we believe it will be of huge benefit to students and pivotal to our growth as a school.”

Mrs Sutton said work behind the scenes – including regular action research groups and a spotlight on numeracy, digital and literacy skills – will be pivotal post-pandemic.

“The curriculum is now fully operational for Year 7 and will be for Years 7 and 8 from next September, so we have a head-start in that sense and are adapting new methods of learning and experience in subject areas including Maths, Literacy, Expressive Arts, Humanities, Health and Wellbeing, and Science and Technology.

“As important as the academic side is, we are also building on our ethos of care and wellbeing; our motto ‘Succeeding Together’ has never been more important given the challenges of the past few years and everything the children were put through, from self-isolation and lockdown to remote learning and being unable to see their friends.

“The resilience they’ve shown has been inspirational, so we are doing even more to support them, which includes the development of vital skills which underpin everything we do, particularly in Year 7 when pupils are at the beginning of their journey with us.”

Following exceptional A Level and GCSE results, Mrs Sutton said they will now look ahead to the event next month and welcome families and prospective students for our first open evening in -person since 2019.

“For the pupils to have been so successful and remained so strong after everything they’ve been through is testament to them, our incredible teachers and support staff for the guidance and care they’ve demonstrated,” she said.

“While in uncharted territory we embraced new ways of working, and learning, and a lot of these innovations will remain – virtual meetings and pupil data management systems such as Talaxy – to make us even more efficient and prepared for whatever the future holds.”

Mrs Sutton added: “As we return to a more ‘normal’ school routine I would like to again thank everyone here at Ysgol Eirias, and to those joining us for our open evening next month, we look forward to seeing you soon.”

The open evening takes place on Wednesday October 5 from 4.30pm – 7.30pm. For more information, visit the website www.eirias.co.uk or call 01492 532025. Alternatively, email general@eirias.conwy.sch.uk.

News

Inspiring young carers united in song by community music studio

INSPIRING young carers have been united in song by a not-for-profit music studio.

Children from WCD Young Carers (Wrexham, Conwy and Denbighshire) are attending weekly choir practice at Wrexham Sounds, based in Rhosrobin.

The affordable sessions are held with renowned vocal coach Clementine ‘Clemmy’ Gong and proving to be a big hit with families and the community.

With plans for a possible charity performance on the horizon, spaces are still available to join the group, which is focused on fun and learning in a warm, welcoming environment.

Wrexham Sounds General Manager Olivia Gallagher said the partnership with WCD Young Carers continues to go from strength to strength.

“We’re so pleased to be able to give these talented young people a platform to share their voice and, most importantly, build their confidence,” she added.

“The feedback we’ve received from parents and the group has been glowing, they have really enjoyed the sessions with Clemmy and we’ve had nine young people taking part so far.

“We have room for more, so if there are any young carers from this area who want to come along and join in, please get in touch.”

Wrexham Sounds had already been delivering free music lessons to WCD Young Carers including Maisie Carman, a pupil at Ysgol Dinas Bran, Llangollen.

Maisie, from Cefn Mawr, helps mum Lisa and stepdad Dean look after seven year-old brother Leo, who this year completed treatment for chemotherapy and is making a full recovery while he awaits further tests for autism and anxiety issues.

Leanne Jeffreys, an Outreach Worker at WCD Young Carers, was heartened to see the partnership’s continued development.

She said: “Olivia and the team have been amazing offering the young carers opportunities to express themselves through music and we have seen how this has helped them cope with difficult life circumstances.

“One example of this was a young carer who was really nervous before a GCSE exam but got through this by using the techniques shown to her by Clemmy.

“The children love being in the studio and we see their confidence grow week by week, the sessions are open to all of our registered young carers and we are welcoming new members all the time.”

For more information on the WCD Young Carers choir or to join the team at Wrexham Sounds as a freelance tutor or volunteer, visit www.wrexhamsounds.org and follow them on social media at @wrexhamsounds.

For more on WCD Young Carers call 01597 823800 or email info@wcdyc.org.uk. Alternatively, email www.carers.cymru/wcdyc.

 

IT Services, Law

IT pioneers support Welsh law firms in rising battle against cyber crime

ANTUR CYMRU ENTERPRISE is supporting the legal sector in Wales as cyber-attacks on law firms continue to rise.

Telemat IT Support, a division of Antur Cymru Enterprise, has been raising the profile of cyber security among solicitors and law firms concerned about a security breach, with financial and identity theft, loss of clients and regulatory penalties among the issues faced.

Business Development Manager Kevin Harrington has worked in partnership with Business Wales to deliver guidance and advice, workshop training, free IT security audits and recorded a video discussing the key points around cyber essentials and a certification and consultancy service provided by Telemat.

He said: “It is becoming increasingly difficult to protect a business from hackers given the sophisticated techniques and tricks being used to illegally access data and information.

“With law firms whose data is largely confidential and sensitive, the subject of an attack is hugely damaging from a reputational and financial perspective.

“There is a lot more that companies can be doing in partnership with the Law Society and by working alongside the authorities and organisations such as Telemat to educate themselves and minimise any future risk.

“Strong passwords which are regularly updated, training for staff and logging any incidents are among the steps that can be taken, and it’s important to tap into resources that offer peace of mind.”

In the UK alone, recent reports showed cyber-attacks have grown by more than 50% in two years, which led to the National Cyber Security Centre (NSCS) and Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) requesting the Law Society to remind its members of their advice – on ransomware in particular – after a surge in incidents.

The Law Society in Wales has recently received grant funding of up to £100,000 from Welsh Government to enhance the cyber and IT security of law firms in Wales.

And in 2020, a report from the Solicitors Regulation Authority found 75% of firms in England and Wales have reported being victims, with almost a quarter of those being directly targeted resulting in more than £4m of client money being stolen.

Kevin revealed that confusion over cyber security certifications is a notable grey area for law practices unaware of what approach best fits their business.

“Having a cyber-security budget and building it into future-proofing plans is a necessity at this point in time, especially when you consider the current economic and social challenges facing all industries post-pandemic,” he said.

“This in turn will have an impact on insurance, build trust with long-standing clients and ultimately, eliminate doubts and worries for staff and company owners.

“Always be aware, always be on your guard and get in touch for help and advice on what has become a major headache for law firms everywhere.”

Visit Get a Free Security Audit – Telemat for a free IT security audit.

For further information and to speak to the team at Antur Cymru Enterprise, call 01239 712345 or email  enquiries@telemat.co.uk.

Alternatively, visit the website: www.anturcymru.org.uk or www.telemat.co.uk.