Vikki Howells, Welsh Minster for Further and Higher Education outlines aims for Post 16 education

The Minister for Further and Higher education in Wales, Vikki Howells has today (15^th October) set out her aims and objectives in her newly created ministerial role, with an emphasis on collaboration, cooperation and community.

Areas of focus include:

• Increasing the visibility of options for post-16 learners, whether it be academic or vocational route, highlighting the importance to learners that there are educational opportunities that can work for them and their families at every stage of their lives, regardless of age, background or personal circumstances.
• Cooperation across government, to ensure that education can act as a key lever in the government’s agenda and deliver on the Prif Weinidog’s priorities of boosting standards, iechyd da and opportunities for all.
• Commitment to working alongside the Cabinet Secretary for Education and the Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnerships to ensure Wales has the skills and opportunities needed for the workforce of tomorrow.
• Making sure student voices are heard to provide a crucial element of learner experience and help to guide the futures of their colleges. Support learner led governing bodies.
• Promoting the important role of Medr.

Minister for Higher and Further Education, Vikki Howells said:

“As a former secondary school teacher and assistant head of sixth form, as well as a mentor to those just starting out in the teaching profession, my experiences have given me a depth of understanding of the successes and challenges encountered by learners and practitioners, and I will bring to this role both empathy and a determination to listen.

“I want everyone to have access to the same opportunities, and I want to ensure that post 16 education, whether academic or vocational people are aware of all the options open to them and that there are no barriers to education.

“I have already begun visiting post 16 providers, including colleges and universities around Wales. I am looking forward to meeting learners and their teachers and tutors so that I can understand their choices, the barriers they face, and celebrate their achievements”