Although Wales is outperforming the rest of the UK in the achievement of vital skills, it is essential that developing skills and employment opportunities remains at the top of the agenda. This would ensure that Wales can meet the challenges of an ever evolving economy, and to achieve the Welsh Assembly's target of raising the employment rate to 80%. Following the announcement of the Welsh Assembly's Welsh Skills and Employment strategy and the Skills that Work for Wales consultation, this conference discussed how to match the nation's skills to the evolving needs of employers and business. Focusing on lifelong learning, the conference set out effective methods of increasing people's employability by responding to the distinctive skills and employment needs of Wales . It also debated how to drive up higher level skills to ensure that Wales can compete in the global marketplace.