Thousands of people in Pembrokeshire are now eligible for free training to rewrite their career by setting up a Personal Learning Account.

As part of the Welsh Government programme Pembrokeshire College is running courses in sectors that are ripe for job opportunities, including construction, finance, IT, health and safety, project management and engineering.

The programme is aimed at those who are currently on furlough, on a zero hours contract, or whose job is at risk, providing they are 19 or over and earning under £26,000.

Eligible courses at Pembrokeshire College include: business administration, management and leadership, 2D and 3D computer aided design, reflexology, food safety, and counselling.

Following a successful pilot with Coleg Gwent and Grwp Llandrillo Menai which saw around 500 people across Wales enrol on fully-funded part-time courses, Personal Learning Accounts are now being rolled out nationally to help thousands of people in Wales boost their skills and employability.

All courses have been specifically designed to match skills gaps already identified in priority sectors in Wales. Employers and stakeholders have worked in partnership with colleges to develop courses that are relevant to sectors which are expected to create job opportunities now or in the near future.

All courses are part-time and are truly flexible, designed for study around other commitments such as a current job. Many are being delivered online meaning learners can study remotely and in the evenings and weekends.

Minister for Education Kirsty Williams said: “The impact of the pandemic has unfortunately affected many industries, with many people looking at ways to gain new work skills, perhaps at their local college.

“Personal Learning Accounts are designed to help people in employment and whose jobs may be at risk. If you’re worried about the certainty of your employment, or you’re on furlough or a zero hours contract, accessing a free Personal Learning Account could provide you with the skills and qualifications to embark on a new and rewarding career.

“As we work towards a Welsh right to lifelong learning, the PLAs show what can be achieved for individuals, the economy and the country as a whole.”

Pembrokeshire College Assistant Principal, David Evans commented: “Pembrokeshire College is delighted to be part of the Personal Learning Account initiative.

“There is no doubt that the pandemic has adversely affected many people within the county.

“The national rollout means that those affected now have the opportunity to either upskill in their current field of work or re-train ready for employment in a different sector.

“This is a great initiative which will hopefully benefit many local people.”

For more information about courses at Pembrokeshire College visit www.pembrokeshire.ac.uk/part-time-courses