Skills and training

The Welsh Assembly Government places great emphasis on creating a highly skilled workforce.

Many of these new skills for industry are achieved through the respected Modern Apprenticeship programme, part-funded by the Assembly.

There are apprenticeship frameworks covering 100 different skilled occupations. These range from traditional trade and technical occupations such as electrician or mechanic to associate professional roles in fields such as accountancy, architecture or the creative industries.

Modern Apprenticeships have been designed by employers to meet industry’s specific needs.

There are a record 14,000 young people and adults undergoing this rigorous training programme and the related Modern Skills Diploma.  This represents an increase of around 40% over the past three years.

Over the past six years, around 25,000 young people in Wales have developed their skills through Modern Apprenticeships.

It normally takes young people between two and four years to complete their training, depending of the level they want to reach. The choice depends on the trainee’s ability and employer’s needs.

 Training involves day or block release to a local college or training centre.  The main cost to the employer is the apprentice’s weekly wage or training allowance. The Assembly Government meets most of the training costs.

The Assembly Government’s Department of Education Lifelong Learning and Skills provides extensive support to businesses raising their workforce’s skills.

In addition Wales has 26 Sector Skills Councils, which ensure there are skills available to meet their individual industry’s needs.