The Welsh Government has achieved its target of creating
100,000 all age, high quality apprenticeships during this
Senedd term.
Economy Minister said reaching the milestone was a fantastic
achievement and has provided crucial opportunities to
individuals and businesses throughout Wales.
Of the 100,000 apprenticeship starts, 60% were undertaken by
females, while 57% were learners aged 25 and over.
Economy Minister said: “It’s fantastic news that we’ve reached our
target of creating 100,000 apprenticeships in the Senedd
term.
“Apprenticeships are a crucial part of our economy and
provide people of all ages with opportunities to learn whilst
earning a wage.
“I have met many dedicated apprentices, of all ages, at the
fantastic businesses we have here in Wales and I’ve been
delighted to hear how they have developed new skills and
capabilities. Firms have also told me how investing in
apprenticeships have benefited their business and workforce.”
The Welsh Government recently announced major new employer
incentives to help recruit apprentices. This includes
businesses in Wales being able to claim up to £3,000 for each
new apprentice they hire under the age of 25.
The incentives are part of the Welsh Government’s £40m
proactive jobs and skills package to support businesses and
workers in recovering from the economic impacts of coronavirus
and respond to the effects of the UK leaving the EU.
They will help to ensure crucial employment opportunities for
apprentices in Wales, while supporting businesses to hire,
train and develop new staff.
The Minister added: “We are living in incredibly challenging
times, but today’s announcement shows what can be achieved
when government, business and learners work together.
“I am very proud of the action we have taken in reaching the
100,000 milestone.
"It has allowed individuals looking for a change in direction
throughout Wales to improve their lives and really show what
they’re capable of, while businesses of all sizes have
benefited from having them as part of their team.
“The incentives I announced recently will be crucial in
providing even more apprentices with a chance to shine.”
Owain Williams, joint managing director at Williams Homes in
Bala, said: “Apprenticeships have been a vital part of our
recruitment strategy for the last eighteen years, allowing us
to nurture talent from the local community and develop an
experienced and skilled workforce.
"By tailoring our apprentices’ training to suit the different
skill sets we need, we’ve been able to better adapt as a
business to new industry trends and continue to grow as a
company.
"We always strive to offer our apprentices permanent roles
upon completion of their apprenticeship, so it’s also a
cost-effective way for us to recruit trained staff compared
to using sub-contractors.
"We’ve recently announced plans to open a 40,000 square foot
production facility for low energy homes in Conwy next year,
which will create up to ten new apprenticeship opportunities.
"This facility will also house our new Apprentice Academy,
which will aim to build on the huge success we’ve already
seen through apprenticeships by upskilling our workforce and
helping to future-proof our business by creating a pipeline
of skilled and experienced tradespeople."
Tim Millard, Principal Engineer and Apprenticeship Manager at
Newport Wafer Fab said: “Apprenticeships are vital to the
running of our business and prove beneficial to both the
individual and to Wafer Fab as a company.
“Our apprentices have the opportunity to learn from a team
with decades of experience between them, while the business
can tailor the training of the apprentice to our specific
needs. We’re committed to supporting our apprentices to
achieve their dream career, equipping them with the training
and skills needed.”
Leah Clarke is undertaking a level 3 Laboratory and Science
Technician Apprenticeship at Coleg Cambria while working for
Quay Pharma.
She said: “I started working towards my AS-Level exams but it
just wasn’t for me. I felt like I could learn so much more
being hands on in a working environment through an
apprenticeship than I could sat in a classroom.”
The Apprenticeship Programme in Wales is funded by the Welsh
Government with support from the European Social Fund.
