{"id":7413,"date":"2025-10-27T12:00:45","date_gmt":"2025-10-27T12:00:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/portal-gogledd.cymru\/?p=7413"},"modified":"2025-10-27T12:43:11","modified_gmt":"2025-10-27T12:43:11","slug":"how-north-wales-businesses-are-upskilling-with-flexible-support","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/portal-gogledd.cymru\/en\/news\/how-north-wales-businesses-are-upskilling-with-flexible-support\/","title":{"rendered":"How North Wales Businesses are Upskilling with Flexible Support"},"content":{"rendered":" \r\n
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Business Wales Skills Advisor presenting the Flexible Skills Programme<\/figcaption>\r\n \r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n \n\n
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The\u00a0<\/span>Flexible Skills Programme<\/span><\/b><\/a>\u00a0is available to eligible businesses across North Wales that are ready to invest in their workforce. Whether your goal is to\u00a0<\/span>fill skills gaps<\/span><\/b>,\u00a0<\/span>retain valuable staff<\/span><\/b>, or\u00a0<\/span>attract new talent<\/span><\/b>, this funding can help you build a stronger, more resilient team.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Through the programme, employers can apply for funding to cover\u00a0<\/span>up to 50% of accredited training costs<\/span><\/b>, with a\u00a0<\/span>maximum contribution of \u00a350,000 per application<\/span><\/b>. There\u2019s\u00a0<\/span>no minimum funding threshold<\/span><\/b>, and businesses are welcome to submit\u00a0<\/span>multiple applications throughout the year<\/span><\/b>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Across North Wales, employers from a wide range of sectors are already making the most of this opportunity. Hear directly from them about how the Flexible Skills Programme has supported their growth, helped upskill their teams, and added real value to their organisations.<\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n<\/div>\n\n

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Global Growth at Cokebusters Ltd<\/h2>\r\n \r\n
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Cokebusters Ltd<\/a>,<\/strong> located in Hawarden, North Wales, is a global leader in specialist cleaning and inspection technology for tubes and pipelines in the energy sector. With over 100 employees and operations in the UK and the Americas, they\u2019ve used FSP to invest over \u00a340,000 in training across IT, compliance, safety, management, and technical fault-finding.<\/p>\n

Janet Sandford, HR Manager at Cokebusters Ltd., said:<\/p>\n

\u201cThe support has accelerated our development programmes and helped retain talent in Wales while supporting our global export goals.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Their bespoke training partnership with Coleg Cambria is helping teams solve problems faster on-site \u2013 keeping projects moving and clients satisfied.<\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n \r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n

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Operational Resilience at Ecological Land Management Ltd<\/h2>\n

Ecological Land Management Ltd<\/strong><\/a> used the programme to fund a wide range of landscape-based training including Lantra, NPORS, and City & Guilds-endorsed courses. The programme helped them fill a gap left by the end of EU-funded training support.<\/p>\n

Lois Fuller, Office Manager, said the programme has also enabled them to expand their capabilities and tender for more work. She praised its flexibility, noting that:<\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n<\/div>\n\n

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Every course we\u2019ve requested has been accepted \u2013 even those not listed. The system is straightforward, and reimbursements are prompt.<\/p>\r\n\r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n<\/div>\n\n

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Encouraging other employers in North Wales to take advantage of the support while it\u2019s still available \u2014 Lois recommends being organised with your records to make the most of the opportunity.<\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n<\/div>\n\n

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Digital Leadership at M-SParc<\/h2>\r\n \r\n
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Pryderi Ap Rhisiart, Managing Director at M-SParc<\/a>,<\/strong> used the programme to study Applied Generative AI for Digital Transformation with MIT, recognising the strategic importance of AI for the region\u2019s economy.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re now implementing our own AI systems and better positioned to support other businesses in adopting digital solutions,\u201d he said.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe programme was incredibly easy to access, with a responsive team and swift approvals – FSP offers so much with minimal hassle\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n \r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n

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Aviation Innovation at Aircamo<\/h2>\n

Aircamo<\/strong><\/a>, a specialist aviation maintenance provider, has used the Flexible Skills Programme to unlock significant training investment.<\/span><\/p>\n

“We\u2019ve invested around \u00a380,000 in training and were able to claim back \u00a336,000 through the Flexible Skills Programme – That level of support has been a game changer for us”, said Gary Woods, Head of Maintenance.<\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n<\/div>\n\n

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The funding has given us confidence to recruit and grow, knowing we can plug skills gaps quickly.<\/p>\r\n\r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n<\/div>\n\n

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“The flexibility of the programme meant we could choose our preferred training providers – essential in aviation, where courses are highly specialised. It\u2019s helped us get the right training, at the right time.”<\/p>\n

“We\u2019ve enhanced our apprenticeship programme, upskilled our team, and stayed ahead of technological advancements.”<\/p>\n

Expanding on the funding, Gary commended the simple process, noting the Welsh Government team were “responsive and supportive throughout, making a real difference to how we plan and deliver training.”<\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n<\/div>\n\n

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Operational Excellence at Kronospan<\/h2>\n

Kronospan<\/a> <\/strong>has used the Flexible Skills Programme to deliver high-impact training across its operations – from technical upskilling in hydraulics and pneumatics to leadership development through Toyota\u2019s lean manufacturing principles. The funding has accelerated their LEAN transformation and made quality training more accessible during a challenging economic climate.<\/p>\n

Reflecting on accessing the support, James Robertson, HR Resourcing Manager, Kronospan, notes:<\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n<\/div>\n\n

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The Flexible Skills Programme has allowed us to offer substantive training at reduced cost – a real advantage in the current climate.<\/p>\r\n\r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n<\/div>\n\n

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“It\u2019s supported our LEAN journey on site, with Toyota\u2019s training helping us embed Japanese techniques across departments. For any employer looking to upskill and improve operations, the Flexible Skills Programme is a practical and accessible way to deliver meaningful training and drive operational change.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n<\/div>\n\n

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Flexible Skills Programme<\/h2>\r\n \r\n
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