A £12.43 million package to expand skills across Flintshire and Wrexham has been approved, paving the way for major growth in advanced manufacturing and digital capability across the region. The funding will deliver the Investment Zone Skills Strategy, supporting a coordinated effort to tackle skills shortages, increase access to high‑value careers and strengthen links between employers and training providers.
Led by the North Wales Regional Skills Partnership (RSP), and delivered in collaboration with local education authorities, Coleg Cambria and Wrexham University, the investment will fund a series of projects across apprenticeships, degrees and employer‑designed training. The programme aims to strengthen the region’s advanced manufacturing base, support emerging technologies and maximise the opportunities created through the Investment Zone.
David Roberts, Chair of the RSP, said: “This investment gives us the tools to build a skilled, future‑focused workforce for advanced manufacturing and digital sectors. By working closely with local training providers and employers, we can deliver on our strategy which will ensure skills are at the heart of any developments, are aligned with industry needs and create clear pathways into high‑quality careers across the region.”
Cllr Mark Pritchard, Leader of Wrexham Council, also welcomed the decision, he added: “This funding is an important contribution to building a stronger, more resilient economy in both our counties. The focus on skills across schools, apprenticeships, and further education, will help ensure that local people and businesses benefit from the opportunities created through the Investment Zone.”
Coleg Cambria will run the largest element of the package, delivering an £8.18 million project that includes upgrades to buildings and new training designed around engineering and emerging technologies. Over the next five years, it expects to work with over 1,000 learners and offer around 100 courses, with employer‑designed programmes targeting high‑growth sectors.
Nick Tyson, Vice Principal at Coleg Cambria said: “This funding strengthens our ability to equip the workforce with skills for the future. The Medru Skills Factory and Emerging Talent programmes will ensure learners and employers can access high‑quality training that responds to industry needs and addresses skills gaps.”
Wrexham University will receive £4.24 million to grow higher‑level learning and retain skilled graduates in the region. The investment will support degree apprenticeship places in advanced manufacturing, offer paid internships, and support over 50 postgraduate opportunities in areas like automation and digital tech.
Laura Gough, Head of Enterprise and Development at Wrexham University said: “This investment reflects the strength of collaboration across the region and a shared commitment to aligning skills with industry need. Wrexham University is proud to play a key role in this, enabling us to expand higher-level opportunities that retain talent in the region and provide businesses with the research, innovation and specialist skills they need to grow.”
As part of the wider ten‑year Investment Zone plan, the funding will help lay the foundations for a long‑term skills pipeline that will support innovation and future growth in the region. The Regional Skills Partnership will now work with partners to deliver on the Skills Strategy, enabling individuals and employers to benefit from an expanded training offer.
