Aspiring apprentices across Wales will soon be able to benefit
from new construction apprenticeships, helping fill skills gaps
identified by the industry.
Following engagement with apprenticeship providers, industry and
learners, Level 2 apprenticeship pathways in bricklaying, site
carpentry, scaffolding and building maintenance will be available
later this year. The apprenticeship courses are
being introduced by tertiary education funder and regulator, Medr
following funding from Welsh Government.
Since 2022, the construction framework for apprentices has begun
at Level 3. The new Level 2 courses have been created in
collaboration with Qualifications Wales and will provide wider
choice for learners, whilst helping meet the sector's skills
demands.
As part of National Apprenticeship Week, Minister for Culture,
Skills and Social Partnership, , visited Excel Home Design
in Pontyclun, to meet with apprentices currently learning their
trade in the construction industry.
The visit was hosted by the Federation of Master Builders, and
follows the news earlier this week that the Welsh Government has
achieved its target of delivering 100,000 apprenticeships over
the last four years.
The Minister said:
“Construction is a critical sector for the Welsh economy, with a
long and successful past in harnessing the power of
apprenticeships for the benefit of employers, learners and the
wider socio-economic landscape. We are committed to strengthening
its workforce and skills pipeline to meet construction, housing
and retrofit ambitions.
“There is clear demand for Level 2 construction apprenticeship
opportunities to be made available in Wales, and the new pathways
announced are proof our commitment to apprenticeships is
unwavering. The sector can be confident that Wales is building a
modern, flexible and future focused apprenticeship system.
“Small builders like Excel Home Design train the majority of
construction apprentices in Wales. We value that contribution
immensely, and I was delighted to accept an invitation from the
Federation of Master Builders to visit them and see first hand
the positive impact of apprenticeships across Wales.”
James Owen, Medr CEO, added:
“We are pleased that these new apprenticeship pathways will be
available to meet the needs of employers and learners for an
accessible route to sustainable careers in the construction
industry.
“Responsive apprenticeship frameworks are key to our ambitions to
create a flexible and joined-up tertiary system where everyone
can acquire the skills and knowledge they need for a changing
economy and society.”
Philip Blaker, Qualifications Wales Chief Executive, added:
“Qualifications Wales has worked in partnership with Welsh
Government and Medr to identify how the qualification system in
this sector can support the new apprenticeship frameworks. The
range of qualifications will be amended, and we will work with
City & Guilds to introduce new qualifications to support
future apprentices in bricklaying, site carpentry and
scaffolding.”
Ifan Glyn, FMB Home Nations Director and Wales Director, said:
“We welcome this announcement, as it reflects concerns raised by
small builders across Wales. Small, local firms train the vast
majority of Wales's apprentices, so greater flexibility in
apprenticeship pathways is a positive step towards addressing the
growing skills shortages facing the sector.
“Diversifying entry routes into the construction workforce also
supports our 2026 Senedd manifesto call, so it is pleasing to see
the Welsh Government responding to the industry in this way.”
Russell Everett, Managing Director of Excel Home Design, said:
"Apprenticeships have been vital to our business and to the
construction industry as a whole. Being able to train young
people from the ground up means we can develop the specific
skills we need while giving them a solid foundation for a
rewarding career."
"It was a pleasure to host the Minister and showcase the
brilliant work our apprentices are doing. Investing in their
training is investing in the future of Welsh construction, and
we're proud to play our part in building that pipeline of skilled
tradespeople."
