SAM ROWLANDS, Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales, is backing a major new investment in skills, education and regional growth for North-East Wales.
Mr Rowlands was commenting after Coleg Cambria and Wrexham University announced the creation of a pioneering joint venture backed by significant funding from Medr the organisation responsible for funding and regulating the tertiary education and research sector in Wales.
Mr Rowlands, who constantly praises the achievements of both Wrexham University and Coleg Cambria, said: “I am delighted to see these leading educational providers joining together to continue improving further and higher education in North Wales.
“I am a great admirer of both Wrexham University and Coleg Cambria, based in Deeside, Northop, Llysfasi and Wrexham, and their achievements and it’s great to see them once again partnering up on another project.
“Working together they will be able to provide much more for learners and that is certainly good news for North Wales and I welcome the initiative.”
The investment will enable the development of the North East Wales Skills Partnership, known as the Advanced Skills Hub (ASH).
The Hub will change the way education and skills are delivered across the region, supporting plans for a more integrated tertiary system that is shaped by employer demand and regional priorities.
ASH will operate as a new type of provider for businesses across Flintshire, Denbighshire, Wrexham and the North West.
Its focus will be on priority growth areas including digital and emerging technologies, green skills and sustainable engineering, advanced manufacturing, public sector leadership, digital literacy and cybersecurity, green construction, and health and social care leadership.
Coleg Cambria Chief Executive Yana Williams said: “Through the Advanced Skills Hub, we are working with Wrexham University to create an integrated system that equips young people and the existing workforce with the knowledge, confidence and future-ready skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
“By aligning education with industry and innovation, we are investing in opportunity, unlocking talent, and helping to build a more prosperous and sustainable future for North East Wales and beyond.”
Wrexham University Vice-Chancellor Joe Yates added: “The Advanced Skills Hub is a game-changer for North East Wales – uniting Wrexham University and Coleg Cambria in a powerful partnership that drives regional prosperity, empowers employers with flexible solutions, and equips our workforce with future-ready skills.
“This initiative is central to our vision to become a world-leading modern civic University, ensuring education and industry work hand in hand to create opportunities and sustainable growth for generations to come.”
Through the Hub, employers will have access to a broad and flexible range of skills provision. This will include apprenticeships at all levels, professional qualifications from Level 2 to Level 7, micro-credentials, workforce upskilling and reskilling programmes, access to research and development facilities, and tailored support to meet skills needs.
With Medr’s financial backing in place, ASH is expected to officially launch by September 2026.
