Written question WQ84817

The creation of the Commission for Tertiary Education and Research will be an important moment for lifelong learning in Wales. The Commission will take responsibility for the funding and overall strategic direction of adult learning, further education, higher education, apprenticeships and school sixth forms. It will provide the funding for a renewed strategic focus, enshrined in legislation, on enabling and ensuring lifelong learning and skills for people from all walks of life.

Our new Bill will place a duty on the new Commission to secure proper facilities for further education and training for eligible adults. To ensure we build the capacity we need to deliver this commitment I have commissioned a 2 year programme of national co-ordination in response to recommendations from the WCPP Report - Supporting the Welsh Lifelong learning System. An External Reference Group (ERG) of stakeholders has been established so that we can work with all parts of the tertiary sector to improve quality, access and progression in skills based, formal, and informal adult learning. The ERG held its first meeting on March 15th 2022. The ERG will ensure external accountability, the programme is co-designed, and solutions are co-ordinated fairly.