On Monday 8th April, Sarah Atherton MP visited North East Wales Skills Academy which has received almost £330,000 in UK Government funding thanks to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
Wrexham County Borough Council received £22.7 million directly from the UK Government as part of the UKSPF. The Fund was set up to enable local authorities to determine how best to spend the money in their local communities, rather than Welsh Government Ministers in Cardiff Bay.
The North East Wales Skills Academy was founded in collaboration with several stakeholders across different sectors, including JCB Transmissions, Wrexham Council and Tenstar Simulation AB. It is also backed by the Leadership Alliance which is a group of local companies that work together to address various local issues ranging from sustainability to staffing and skills gaps.
In partnership with JCB and Gatewen Training Services, the Skills Academy is offering Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) or Forklift Truck (FLT) training to residents, which also incorporates numeracy or vocational number skills.
The training provision has already enabled 60 local people sign up to receive HGV and FLT training, free of charge.
This has played a central role bridging the employment gap and reducing economic inactivity in the community.
Sarah Atherton MP commented:
“It was fantastic to have been invited to the North East Wales Skills Academy to hear more about how this UK Government funding is making a huge difference in our community.
“With several Wrexham-based businesses recruiting for HGV and FLT drivers, the Skills Academy, with the support of UK Government funding and local businesses, is playing a central role in bolstering the local economy by offering free training and upskilling Wrexham residents.
“This successful initiative represents a triumph both for local people and businesses, and I would like to thank everybody involved – well done to all for making this possible.”
North East Wales Skills Academy Director, Julian Hughes, commented:
“By working collaboratively with members of the Leadership Alliance, the Academy is not just aiming to reduce economic inactivity and bridge the employment gap, we’re empowering future generations by addressing national and regional skills gaps.
“The programme aims to boost productivity, wages, and ultimately, the living standards of our entire community. By fostering local pride and belonging, we can rekindle a sense of shared purpose and create a brighter future for everyone.”
JCB Operations Director (North Wales), Craig Weeks, commented:
“Establishing the skills academy is more than a mere endeavour; it’s a beacon of opportunity, lighting a path towards a better future. Through tailored programs and hands-on training, we will equip individuals with the tools they need to thrive in a dynamic job market.
“By investing in our community’s potential, we sow the seeds of a lasting legacy, and when people become employed it will be a testament to the transformative power of education, up-skilling and collaboration leaving a legacy of empowerment for generations to come, we are creating a culture to deliver excellence.