In an unprecedented event, Cardiff University orchestrated a grand graduation ceremony at the Principality Stadium in 2022, honoring the academic success of 16,000 students. Keeping in view the trend of young Welsh leaving their homeland in pursuit of higher remuneration, a local firm is pushing the agenda to prevent the departure of intellectual capital from Wales.
The founder of Darogan Talent has presented an intriguing perspective, suggesting that while the remuneration might be higher in cities like London, pivotal factors like the exorbitant cost of living tilt the scale favorably towards Cardiff when it comes to dispersible wealth. A prominent Tory leader asserts that Wales must boost investments in skill-building to retain youth, a notion echoed by the Welsh government.
Darogan Talent, christened after the Welsh word signifying ‘predict’ or ‘prophesy’, was instituted in 2018 with the express agenda of encouraging overseas Welsh students to return after academic pursuits. The organization criticizes the informational void about opportunities in Wales, accrediting it as a primary driver of youth emigration. Post substantial investment from Equal Education Partners, an organization dedicated to addressing organizational challenges, Darogan Talent is now a chartered company.
Owain James, one of the organization’s founders, professing optimism said, “A lot of things pull them back, including family, language, and several other things. Despite higher wages in London, the high cost of living results in more money in hand for those who stay back and work in Cardiff.”
A case in point is that of Osian Elis, an Oxford University graduate returning to Wales. Opting to work in the mother tongue, he is now employed in the office of the chief executive of Gwynedd’s council – Cyngor Gwynedd. He spoke about the gravitational pulls and pushes that significantly contribute to the youth departure from Wales, highlighting the dearth of high-paying jobs and diverse opportunities, in addition to housing affordability issues.
Cumulative statistics reveal a slowdown in Wales’ population growth, recording an increment of only 1.4% in the past decade, the lowest amongst UK countries. Emergent patterns indicate a growing trend of the 18-29 demographic relocating from local Welsh authorities in the past decade.
This situation evoked concern in Samuel Kurtz, Conservative Member of the Senedd for West Carmarthen and South Pembroke, who emphasized the dire need for youth in sectors with ageing populations. While supporting youth who desire to explore opportunities and develop skills outside Wales, Mr Kurtz advocated for magnetizing elements to draw them back.
Meanwhile, the Welsh government reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a highly skilled, optimally employed young workforce, preparing for a potentially challenging economic landscape. Vaughan Gething, the Economy Minister, is expected to delineate a plan focusing on youth-centric, economic growth strategies. The government is also addressing the issue of increasing second homes, seen as a threat to community sustainability, and is striving towards the creation of 20,000 additional homes for the social sector.
