Welsh colleges launch regional skills alliances

Educational institutions across Wales are launching collaborative initiatives to address regional skills gaps and support economic development.

In North Wales, the North Wales Tertiary Alliance (NWTA)—comprising Coleg Cambria, Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, Bangor University, and Wrexham University—is hosting the ‘Pathways to Success’ event in Llandudno. The bilingual event aims to connect young people with over 1,000 opportunities and 25 employers, including apprenticeships and university routes. This initiative follows data indicating that North Wales had the highest estimated NEET rate (not in education, employment, or training) in Wales, at 15.1% for the period ending December 2025.

In South West Wales, a partnership between NPTC Group of Colleges, Gower College Swansea, Pembrokeshire College, and Coleg Sir Gâr has been established to support the Celtic Freeport. Funded by Medr, the Commission for Tertiary Education and Research, this alliance will develop training programs in sectors such as renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, engineering, and digital technologies to prepare the local workforce for emerging industrial investments.