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Response by the Cabinet Member: Thank you for your questions, my responses are: 1. Yes, Powys offers a range of vocational qualifications through schools, colleges, and work-based learning providers. However, staffing and geographic challenges can affect accessibility. The council is working to improve access through closer strategic collaboration with vocational providers and the Regional Skills Partnership (RSP). 2. The Council currently operates a collaborative model, which is overseen by a Strategic Management Board (SMB). The SMB has representation from schools and colleges. The Mid Wales Regional Skills Partnership (RSP) plays a key role in aligning education with employer needs. Schools and colleges offer a coordinated 14-16 vocational curriculum offer which is funded by the council, however operational processes need further refinement to improve breadth and accessibility. 3. Funding is supported through Welsh Government grants. Strategic planning is underway to better align funding with labour market needs. 4. Careers Wales provide impartial guidance to schools through their adviser network and NPTC group of colleges organises their yearly ‘Shape Your Future’ careers events. The events showcase the courses available at the college and provides an opportunity for learners to engage with a range of employers; however, some schools find it challenging to attend due to geographical reasons. Schools are also embedding Careers and Work-Related Experiences (CWRE) into their curriculum. 5. Powys tracks student uptake through enrolment data provided by schools and colleges. Vocational uptake, achievement and progression tracking processes are being strengthened as part of the work supporting post-16 transformation in Powys. Additional tracking is done through Careers Wales’ annual “Destinations of School Leavers” report, which monitors progression from Years 11, 12, and 13 into further education, training, or employment. 6. Powys is addressing skills shortages through the mid Wales RSP Employment and Skills Plan, which identifies growth sectors like construction, digital, and green energy. The RSP are in the process of developing an offer for all Powys schools which will allow for greater collaboration between employers and schools. 7. Adult learning is widely available through initiatives like Personal Learning Accounts, community education centres, and online platforms. Courses cover digital, health, construction, and more. Programmes are designed to be flexible and accessible with NPTC being Powys’ delivery partner. 8. Quality is monitored by Estyn and through internal reporting processes. These processes are in the process of being strengthened to allow for stronger accountability. 9. There are growing opportunities, including apprenticeships offered by Powys County Council and local employers. However, demand can exceed supply in some sectors. The council is actively expanding its apprenticeship talent pool and promoting employer engagement. NPTC are developing a work experience app which will be available to Powys learners soon and it will highlight work placements available locally. 10. Powys has a long-term Transforming Education Strategy (2020–2032), which includes the ongoing Strategic Review of Post-16 Provision which reported to Cabinet in May 2025. Work has begun on improving post-16 provision for Powys learners and part of this process will be improving the vocational curriculum offered by both schools and local FE colleges (NPTC). We are currently engaging with a wide range of stakeholders to understand future needs for post-16 provision in Powys.
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