Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire’s Senedd Member has challenged First Minister Eluned Morgan on how the Welsh Government plans to meet the skilled employment needs of emerging industries and technologies, and as to whether local businesses are being listened to when it comes to exploring the new employment opportunities presented by the Celtic Freeport, Pembroke Dock Marine Project, and Pembroke Net Zero Centre.

In the Senedd Chamber, Conservative MS Sam Kurtz highlighted Pembrokeshire’s proud industrial heritage and the importance of the hydrocarbon sector, including Valero oil refinery and RWE power station.

He added that with the Celtic Freeport and the potential for significant new investment in the region through Floating Off-Shore Wind, new opportunities are emerging to bring prosperity back to Pembrokeshire.

Speaking after the plenary session, Mr Kurtz said: “Pembrokeshire is home to a diverse mix of established and emerging industries, and it is vital that our workforce has the flexibility to transition into the jobs of the future.

“Businesses understand their needs better than anyone, so the Welsh Government must engage directly with the very industries that will be creating these opportunities.

“It is unacceptable that the Welsh Labour Government has yet to present a clear plan to support workers in traditional industries should they wish to reskill. Their slow response is damaging investment, harming businesses, and failing those whose future careers depend on decisive action.”

At Welsh Parliament, Mr Kurtz highlighted Pembrokeshire’s skilled economy, that has been strengthened by the excellent employment opportunities provided along the Haven Waterway, particularly in the hydrocarbon industry, with companies such as Valero and RWE at the forefront, supported by an outstanding supply chain, which includes Jenkins and Davies, and Ledwood.

He asked as to how the Welsh Government is working with employers, such as those mentioned, to harness their expertise, to listen to their voices and to ensure that the right reskilling and upskilling programmes are being delivered to address the skills gaps identified by key industries and businesses along the Haven Waterway.

Welsh Labour Government First Minister Eluned Morgan responded in the chamber: “You’re quite right—we do need to get people prepared for the transition, and I know that a huge amount of work is being done through and with Pembrokeshire College, for example.

“One of the projects I’m particularly pleased about is the individual learning accounts. And what that does is target people who are already in work that are perhaps on a lower salary, but it helps them to transition into higher skilled jobs while they’re in the workplace.

“So, it improves their opportunities in those areas where we know we have skills shortages. I think it’s a really exciting project, and that has increased in terms of the funding.

“For 2023-24, the amount of money was close to £21 million that we invested in that. So, thousands of people are using that opportunity.

“So, I would recommend people in your area to take a look at those individual learning accounts,” she added.