The Welsh Government has announced £1.5 million of funding to support the first phase of a new National Social Care Academy.

The Academy will enable social care workers to develop their skills and gain qualifications.

The National Academy will build on the success of established local care academy models already operating in several parts of Wales. These models offer paid employment alongside training, enabling care workers to develop their skills and gain nationally recognised qualifications.

It is hoped the Academy will make careers in social care more attractive while supporting workforce development and creating clearer pathways for progression into more senior or specialist roles over time.

Local academies have seen benefits including better staff retention, higher morale, clear progression opportunities and a shift in how the public perceives working in care.

Minister for Children and Social Care, Dawn Bowden has also launched a consultation on a Social Care Negotiating Body that would develop Fair Pay Agreements for social care workers in Wales.

Bowden said: "Social care workers are skilled and provide dignity and compassion to our most vulnerable people - yet for too long the sector has struggled to offer the career pathways these dedicated professionals deserve.

"This Academy approach changes that. Whether you're just starting out or have years of experience, there will be a route to develop skills, gain qualifications, and see career development and progression."