Driving Skills Development in Wales: Progress, Partnerships and Policy Gaps

This week, I had the privilege of spending time with road haulage, coach, and training organisations across Wales. It was an opportunity to listen deeply—to hear the realities of doing business in a country with its own geography, governance, and workforce dynamics. And while some conversations must remain confidential, what I can share are the patterns emerging across the nation and the pressing need for us to act with purpose.

One key message was clear: Wales faces a unique skills challenge—one shaped by rural spread, a dispersed population, and a funding landscape that, while well-intentioned, often frustrates rather than facilitates access to training. Employers repeatedly pointed to barriers in navigating eligibility criteria, long application cycles, and misalignment between available programmes and real-world business needs.

And yet, amidst these frustrations, there is hope—rooted in collaboration.

We’re proud to be working alongside TC Wales to deliver an expanded portfolio of training opportunities. Together, we’ve already supported 138 volunteer drivers at His Majesty’s Coastguard through Driver Development Assessments—a model that showcases the power of bespoke, community-embedded training. This type of partnership demonstrates what’s possible when government, industry, and providers work as equals, not silos.

We’re also seeing momentum through our RHA Skills service, RHA Academy eLearning platform, and the roll-out of more tailored technical and apprenticeship programmes. Whether it’s upskilling technicians, supporting fleet compliance, or making training more accessible to rural operators, these initiatives are delivering real value.

But let’s be honest: without a more flexible and responsive approach to funding, Wales risks falling behind.

Yes, there are numerous Welsh Government programmes—Flexible Skills, Personal Learning Accounts, ReAct+ and more—but many businesses simply can’t afford to wait for complex approval processes or chase eligibility that shifts from scheme to scheme. What’s needed is not just investment, but strategic alignment—a system that rewards long-term planning, regional equity, and proven impact.

And all of this must happen in the context of profound change. The road to net zero, the shift in propulsion systems, and the realities of an ageing, shrinking workforce will hit Wales hard if we don’t respond now. The country’s geography, infrastructure limitations, and higher rurality compound these pressures—making the call for a joined-up, well-funded skills strategy all the more urgent.

So this week, I return from Wales energised, encouraged—but also clear-eyed about the work ahead. We’ve got solid building blocks in place. What we need now is shared ambition, streamlined funding, and open conversations that lead to action.

I’d love to hear your views—especially from those navigating the Welsh transport and training landscape. What’s working? Where are the gaps? What’s the one change that would make the biggest difference to your business or career?

Let’s keep this dialogue going. The future of our industry—and our ability to serve communities across Wales—depends on it.