Universities and Industry welcome launch of fully funded
programmes up to four-years.
The Welsh Government has teamed up with three universities to
launch new degree apprenticeships in Construction Management,
Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Building Surveying, and
Real Estate.
With the construction sector alone needing an extra 11,000
workers by 2028, the new degree apprenticeships come at a crucial
time.
Starting in September 2024, these four-year programmes, fully
funded by the Welsh Government, will offer students the chance to
earn a degree while gaining hands-on experience in employment.
The courses will be offered at Wrexham University, the University
of South Wales, and the University of Wales Trinity St David.
The Cabinet Secretary for the Economy, Energy, and Welsh
Language, , said: "These programmes not
only prepare individuals for high-demand jobs and higher wage
occupations, but will also ensure a skilled, resilient and
forward-looking workforce to drive economic growth and provide
innovative solutions to social and climate challenges.”
Jac Beynon, an assistant Quantity Surveyor at Jones Brothers
(Henllan) Ltd in Cross Hands, will be one of the first to benefit
from the new apprenticeships in UWTSD in September. He said: “As
I finished my A-Levels in school I was exploring my options as to
what to do next. I thought about going to university full-time,
but I didn't like the idea of waiting three or four years before
starting work. So when someone mentioned an apprenticeship scheme
which would allow me to work and learn at the same time - I was
sold.
“My primary aim is to gain practical, hands-on experience. I want
to develop industry-specific skills that are directly applicable
to real-world scenarios. Undertaking an apprenticeship is also
about building confidence in my abilities to handle professional
responsibilities and make informed decisions independently.”
The new apprenticeships have also been welcomed by the
construction industry, and Universities. The Construction
Industry Training Board praised the “sector pulling together in a
shared direction to overcome industry and broader challenges”,
whilst representatives from Wrexham University, the University of
South Wales, and the University of Wales Trinity St David spoke
positively about meeting the needs of both learners and
employers, creating new and immediate opportunities and
delivering high-level skill sets.
Notes to editors
Additional quotes you may use
, Standards and
Qualifications Manager (Wales) for the Construction Industry
Training Board said: “People wanting to work in construction need
clear career pathways into the industry and these new
construction degree apprenticeships are a significant milestone
towards achieving this. The launch of these apprenticeships also
demonstrates a sector pulling together in a shared direction to
overcome industry and broader challenges.”
Professor Maria Hinfelaar, Vice-Chancellor at Wrexham University,
said: “We continuously review our portfolio and learning pathways
across all levels to meet the needs of learners and
employers – and the Construction Degree Apprenticeships are a
tremendous example of meeting those needs. From engagement with
employers in the region, we know that they are excited that these
are launching here in Wrexham.”
Louise Pennell, Associate Dean of Partnerships and Development in
University of South Wales' Faculty of Computing, Engineering, and
Science, said: “At USW we have extensive expertise in running
these study routes. Just last year we were a key partner in the
launch of the first railway engineering degree apprenticeships in
Wales, a course which has already proved popular among both
students and those operating in the sector. These new degree
apprenticeships will create new opportunities for individuals and
companies operating in the construction industry, and further
cement our reputation as an institution which is leading the way
in producing job-ready graduates with the skills needed to thrive
in crucial sectors.”
Professor Elwen Evans, KC, Vice-Chancellor of the University of
Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) said: “UWTSD is delighted that
the Construction Degree Apprenticeships are now available for
employers and apprentices in the sector. These programmes will
enable individuals to develop a high-level skill set that will
benefit them and their employers in a fast moving and exciting
sector.”
Courses
- - Construction management – offered by all three universities
- - Civil engineering – offered by Wrexham University and
University of South Wales
- - Quantity surveying – offered by all three universities
- - Building surveying – offered by Wrexham University and
University of South Wales
- - Real estate – offered by University of South Wales
CITB's Construction Skills Network report CSN Industry Outlook -
2024-2028 - CITB.
The degree apprenticeships are fully funded by the Welsh
Government through HEFCW (or Medr from 1 August).
