Stratgies aim to strengthen skills and training.

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“Skills that Work for Wales” is a twelve week consultation launched on Thursday by the Welsh Assembly, with the aim of strengthening the skills base across Wales.

Measures in the draft strategy include giving employers more say in the qualifications and skills system with the creation of the Wales Employment and Skills Board.

Other proposals include redirecting resources to address demand from individual businesses and the strategic needs of economic sectors, by expanding the Workforce Development Programme and creating a new Sector Priority Fund

Modern Apprenticeships will be expanded in line with One Wales commitments and funding will be revised to support completion

The strategy also proposes a number of measures in relation to work with providers including adopting a more strategic approach to the quality assurance of providers and new strategic engagement with third sector, recognising their ability to engage and work effectively with “hard to reach” groups.

Deputy Minister for Skills, John Griffiths said: “Skills are critical to the success of individuals, businesses and communities. One Wales highlights the significance of a strong skills base and the important role this has to be play in closing the gap on the full employment target.

” We are investing heavily in the skills and employment agenda and this strategy will help ensure that funding is used to its maximum effect, and that individuals and industry work in close partnership to reach our shared goals.”

The Skills that Work for Wales Strategy will replace the Skills and Employment Action Plan 2005 and forms part of the Assembly’s response to the Leitch report on UK skills and the review of Further Education by Sir Adrian Webb.

Ieuan Wyn Jones, Deputy First Minister, said: “In a world of rapid economic and technological change, skills are increasingly vital to the success of people, businesses, and communities.

“Today’s Welsh workforce is better-skilled and more highly-qualified than it was before devolution however we cannot be complacent and must continue to build on our successes.

“I urge businesses and individuals to help shape our agenda for skills and employment, and take an active part in this consultation process.”