On GCSE results day, Plaid Cymru Senedd member for Mid and West Wales, and education spokesperson, Cefin Campbell has outlined how his party’s proposed National Skills Audit will support school leavers to pursue their desired career.

Plaid Cymru’s National Skills Audit, announced as part of the party’s economy strategy - Making Wales Work – will ensure education and training opportunities are aligned with the needs of employers and industries in Wales.

Mr Campbell has outlined how his party’s plans will support school leavers, and those receiving their GCSEs, to pursue their desired careers, through education, training or employment.

The Plaid Cymru MS, went on to criticise the Labour Welsh Government for ‘letting our young people down’ by allowing school standards to fall, and Wales’ economy to flatline.

The Plaid Cymru MS pointed to the fact that Wales has the highest percentage of young people not in employment, education, or training of any of the UK’s regions and nations.

Mr Campbell continued by saying that Plaid Cymru were serious about giving every young person the best possible start in life. He said that a Plaid Cymru Government in 2026 would take concrete steps to ensure better alignment between Wales’ skills system, the needs of learners, and future opportunities in the Welsh economy.

Mr Campbell, said: “Today, on GCSE results day, we rightly celebrate the achievements of our young people in Wales, and wish them every success for whatever path they choose next - be it further education, an apprenticeship or into work.

“But after 26 years of Labour failures when it comes both to educational standards and the overall performance of the Welsh economy, the future for our young people is not as bright as it could or should be.

“With Wales constantly at the bottom of economic and educational league tables, Labour have let the young people of Wales down.

“Plaid Cymru has a comprehensive plan to build a new economic foundation for Wales – a plan that will see all our young people equipped with skills they need to get ahead whatever their chosen career path, while also ensuring that the workforce needs of Welsh businesses and public services are met.

“In 2026, the people of Wales have a choice. Continued decline in educational standards and economic stagnation under Labour, or a credible plan for a brighter future with a Plaid Cymru Government – a Government determined to ensure all our young people have the opportunity they deserve to thrive.”