Then and now... The minister responsible for
apprenticeship policy in Wales returned this week to the college
where he himself studied as an apprentice to celebrate
Apprenticeship Week and extol the benefits of this route into
employment.
Having left school at 17, the Skills Minister, , studied at Deeside College
(now Coleg Cambria) and later Wrexham University. Throughout this
time he was earning whilst learning at an industrial placement.
Apprenticeship Week Wales kicks off today [Monday 10th]
and celebrates the value apprenticeships bring to learners,
employers and the wider Welsh economy.
Addressing students, ex-apprentices and industry representatives
at the college, he said:
“My apprenticeship helped me gain qualifications while also
developing skills on the shop floor that have stayed with me
throughout my career. The same problem-solving and
decision-making skills I learnt as an apprentice are now helping
me shape the policies that will support the next generation of
apprentices across Wales.
“In north-east Wales, where I grew up, advanced manufacturing is
a major employer, and I know how apprenticeships provide a route
into high-quality jobs. Companies like Airbus set the gold
standard for apprenticeships, and their success is a model for
others. While large employers play a crucial role,
apprenticeships are just as important for SMEs, helping them
develop the talent they need to grow.
“We are proud of our record on delivering our flagship
apprenticeships programme in Wales. Apprenticeships are an
investment in the future and there are so many exciting
opportunities, such as in Wales' green economy or our thriving
creative sector, for example. The £144 million allotted in our
draft budget will ensure businesses of all sizes can take on
apprentices, providing opportunities for thousands to gain skills
and progress in their careers.”
Latest data (April 2024) shows the Welsh Government has supported
nearly 56,000 new apprenticeship starts so far during this Senedd
term. Annual funding has increased from £128m (in 2020) to almost
£144m this year, despite European funding coming to an end in
2023-24.
Apprenticeships available cover everything from construction to
energy, financial and professional services, to tourism and the
life sciences. Welsh Government is continuing to promote and
prioritise investment in those sectors that will support economic
growth and community cohesion. This includes those in higher
level, more technical sectors, supporting STEM apprenticeships
and net-zero preparedness, and increasing the numbers of degree
apprenticeships.
Nick Tyson, Vice Principal at Coleg Cambria's Institute for
Technology, fondly remembers the Minister's time with the college
during his apprenticeship:
“Jack as a young engineer was extremely focused. His practical
skills were excellent. He consistently performed with both his
knowledge and his academic skills to distinction level, so much
so he went on to go on to do a HNC qualification with us and
eventually do a degree. He is a fantastic ambassador for
engineering.
He continued:
“We're really lucky in Wales that the minister has been through
that route, because he can inspire others, and he can continue to
promote world-class apprenticeships here in Wales.”
Notes to editors
Find out more about becoming an apprentice: https://www.gov.wales/apprenticeships-genius-decision
or call 0800 028 4844.
Apprenticeship Week Wales is taking place between Monday 10 and
Sunday 16 February 2025 and will celebrate the value
apprenticeships bring to learners, employers and the wider Welsh
economy.
The week will highlight the work being done across the
apprenticeship community to promote the positive impact they are
having throughout Wales.
