Plaid Cymru leadership hopeful Simon Thomas AM was in Ystrad Mynach last week as he met with some of the new apprentices at Caerphilly County Borough Council.
The council is funding jobs for up to 150 apprentices and trainees over the next three years.
Mr Thomas, who is currently Plaid’s Education and Skills spokesman, said: “Education is not just about academic achievement. It should be about creating well-rounded, balanced individuals who know how they can contribute to society and what their responsibilities and entitlements as citizens are.
“The work on apprenticeships, such as that done by Caerphilly Council, and issues such as access to a 21st century National Library Service, are vital. Apprenticeships are playing an important role in developing skills required by employers, as well as placing people in the workplace.
“We are very aware of the critical issue of the total lack of opportunities for ever-growing numbers of our young people. It is becoming more acute by the day with rising unemployment. Plaid Cymru is particularly concerned about youth unemployment which is why we have called for the Welsh Government to introduce a stimulus for the economy as a matter of urgency. This Plaid-led council is showing what we can do in power by creating 150 new training places for youngsters in the Caerphilly area.”
Mr Thomas announced last week that he would be standing for the party leadership in the New Year.
Plaid councillor James Fussell, who is cabinet member for human resources, said: “I am delighted that people outside Caerphilly are keen to see this exciting scheme, which helps provide local youngsters with the best chance of gaining employment for the future. The project has numerous benefits both in supporting those youngsters who are currently not in employment, education or training, but also to us as a Council.
“With more than 30 per cent of our employees aged 50 and over, there is a risk that if we do not train people, we may become exposed to skill gaps in the future. We will significantly minimise this risk by ‘growing our own’ talent and creating career opportunities for local young people.
“As well as protecting our existing staff, we are confident that we can fund up to 150 apprentices and trainees over the next three years. We believe it is our duty to help the young people of our communities.”
Whilst I agree with some form of apprenticeship scheme being promoted by anyone, including the council, I am nonplussed by the statement,
"there is a risk that if we do not train people, we may become exposed to skill gaps in the future."
Wales bacame a low skill, poorly educated country more than 20 years ago. I am afraid that the stable door is being bolted years after the horse has departed.
If we are to turn things around there needs to be a massive change in education. Personally I would welcome a return to the grammar school system which would give our young people a chance to perfom on a level footing with sucessful countries. Only a chance, however, as our manufacturing heart has been ripped out. I don't blame the council for this but hold Thatcher, Major and New Labour firmly to account.