A recent survey has shown that 68% of North Wales businesses are experiencing recruitment difficulties, with pressure on the region’s workforce expected to grow as major infrastructure projects get underway.
According to the North Wales Regional Skills Partnership’s most recent Skills and Employment Plan, as well as those reporting difficulties in recruiting, 56% also struggle to upskill and train staff.
For many employers, however, the difficulty is knowing where to find support and which programmes are right for their business. Only three in 10 employers in North Wales said they knew where to find information about training, development and funding opportunities.
Against this backdrop, employers are being urged to bring their recruitment and workforce challenges to a dedicated event in Llandudno, where they can connect directly with organisations offering practical support and resources.
Deputy Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education, Cefin Campbell AS, will address the event, which will take place at Venue Cymru, Llandudno, on Thursday 12 November. Delegates will also hear from employers such as Great British Energy-Nuclear (GBE-N), Rolls-Royce SMR and Griffiths Civil Engineering, on best practice and how they are developing their inclusive talent pipelines through apprenticeships. The event will also include insights from young people who have followed different paths into employment.
The event will also mark the launch of the 2026-2029 North Wales Skills Plan and highlight the role of the North Wales Regional Skills Partnership in supporting businesses and workforce development across the region.
David Roberts, Chair of North Wales Regional Skills Partnership said:
“We know that employers across North Wales are dealing with real challenges around recruitment, retention and skills, and that finding the right support can be just as difficult. This event is about making that process easier, while also launching our new Skills Plan which sets out how employers and partners can play a part in shaping the workforce we need for the future.
“We’re bringing relevant organisations together in one place. Employers in any sector can come along with their challenges, talk to the right people and find practical solutions. Whether they are struggling to recruit, looking at how to retain and develop their workforce, or want to understand what support is available, I would encourage employers to come along and find out how they can get involved.”
The event is aimed at anyone with responsibility for, or influence over, their organisation’s workforce, with opportunities to speak directly to organisations that can offer advice, make referrals and provide follow-up support.