AN ONLINE conference will aim to meet economic challenges facing the public and private sector in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Targeting frontline staff working in the fields of skills and employability – including Careers Wales, Working Wales and further and higher education representatives – the virtual event takes place from 9.30am on Thursday October 22.
The free forum has been organised by North Wales Regional Skills Partnership, supported by North Wales Economic Ambition Board, and will include an address by Ken Skates MS, Minister for the Economy and North Wales.
David Roberts, chair of the Regional Skills Partnership, will open proceedings and believes the continued spirit of collaboration across the region is vital.
“This year has brought unprecedented challenges, the like of which we have never seen before,” said Mr Roberts.
“From an economic perspective we are going to feel this for months or even years, so coming together and shaping a plan of action is pivotal for all sectors.
“At this very challenging time there is a need for total unity and a clear path for anyone who has been made redundant or looking for a change of career because of the current financial climate.”
He added: “While this is a tough time there are opportunities for development and change, and we will explore these during the conference and as we move forward.”
Those joining the Resilient North Wales event can take part in a Q&A session, share best practice with other delegates and will be updated on latest news and information from the Welsh Government.
Other bodies represented and delivering presentations include the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), Coleg Cambria, Grwp Llandrillo Menai, Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA), ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service), Citizens Advice Denbighshire, and Niall Waller from Flintshire County Council, chair of the Employability Working Group.
Earlier this year – following the COVID-19 outbreak – the Ambition Board, the Welsh Government’s Working Wales Programme, delivered by Careers Wales, the Regional Skills Partnership and the DWP united to provide job seekers with an Opportunity for Change.
With thousands of people across the country facing uncertainty or struggling to find a role in the wake of the global crisis, their aim is to help match them with essential job vacancies in alternative sectors, as well as offering online training.
Minister for the Economy and North Wales Ken Skates said: “These are exceptionally challenging times, and the Welsh Government has taken action on a number of fronts to provide assistance for businesses and individuals.
“This has included a £40m skills and jobs fund which includes the pledge that everyone over 16 will receive the assistance they need to access advice and support to find work, to pursue self-employment or to find a place in education and training.
“I congratulate the Regional Skills Partnership for bringing all the key partners together in North Wales for this event. There is a strong spirit of collaboration in the region, which I fully endorse as we work together to support those hardest hit by the pandemic.”
