The Welsh Government has announced more than 100,000
apprenticeships have been created this Senedd term.
Wales has reached a milestone with the Welsh Government achieving
its target of having delivered 100,000 apprenticeships in the
last four years.
The milestone was announced by First Minister , to mark National
Apprenticeship Week, which starts today.
Since 2021, more than 100,000 people have pursued high quality
apprenticeships, giving them practical work skills and recognised
qualifications.
It has also helped businesses recruit, train,
and retain staff across sectors including
construction, energy and the creative industries.
Opportunities range from foundation to degree level, creating
clear progression routes for apprentices and supporting
businesses to strengthen their workforce.
First Minister said:
“Creating more jobs, especially skilled jobs, has been one of my
top priorities as First Minister.
Apprenticeships don't just benefit people
starting their careers, they develop a skilled workforce which
will benefit our economy for years to come, especially
where there is a proven demand for skilled workers.
"Creating more than 100,000 apprenticeships is a fantastic
achievement. This is more than just numbers – it means thousands
of people, especially young people, have gained valuable
skills, confidence and a clear route into
work.”
The Welsh Government has invested more than half a billion pounds
into apprenticeships in Wales this Senedd term.
Cabinet members across the Welsh Government are visiting
apprentices and employers throughout Apprenticeships Week Wales
to celebrate the milestone and highlight opportunities
available.
Minister for Skills said:
"Apprenticeships are central to delivering a stronger, fairer and
greener Welsh economy. As a former apprentice myself, I know
first-hand how transformative this pathway can be. They
strengthen our workforce and give people the power to build their
futures. This is a remarkable achievement for Wales.
“I want to thank Medr, our partners, colleges,
universities, providers and employers who made this
possible. We will continue building on this success to ensure
apprenticeships remain a powerful driver of growth in
Wales."
On a visit to Real SFX - a special effects company in Cardiff -
the First Minister met Will Houghman, who began his career
as a Sgil Cymru apprentice in 2019 and is now a permanent member
of staff, mentoring new apprentices and winning multiple awards
for his work.
SFX Technician,
Will Houghman said:
“My apprenticeship journey with Real SFX through Sgil
Cymru has been lifechanging.
“The support, trust and opportunities I was given
allowed me to build a career I'm proud
of. I've gone from learning the ropes to winning awards
and now mentoring apprentices and junior members of the team,
which feels incredibly full circle.
“Sgil Cymru and Real SFX didn't just give me a start -
they helped me believe in what I could achieve. This is a
career I'm passionate about, and
one I'm excited to continue building.”
Real SFX works closely with Sgil Cymru and has supported 15
apprentices since opening in Cardiff in 2009.
They deliver hands hands-on training across their regional
hubs in Wales and the UK and apprentices are embedded
within Real SFX's specialist teams, contributing to a broad range
of high-end screen productions.
Notes to editors
Real SFX is an award-winning practical special effects company
headquartered in Cardiff, with workshops across Wales and the UK.
Its portfolio spans high-profile television and film
productions, including Doctor Who, Peaky Blinders and Expendables
4, working across high-end TV and film in the UK and
internationally.
Real SFX works closely with Sgil Cymru to deliver a bespoke
Creative and Digital Media apprenticeship pathway, with
apprentices following the Level 3 Screen & Creative Media
route and gaining industry-led, practical experience.
