New apprenticeship courses in construction to be introduced in Wales

Daniel Bevan - Editor

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New Level 2 construction apprenticeship courses are set to be introduced in Wales later this year, as part of efforts to address skills shortages across the sector and widen access routes for new entrants.

The new pathways, covering bricklaying, site carpentry, scaffolding and building maintenance, will be delivered following collaboration between apprenticeship providers, industry representatives and learners.

They are being introduced by tertiary education funder and regulator Medr with funding from the Welsh Government.

The move marks a shift in the construction apprenticeship framework, which since 2022 has started at Level 3.

The addition of Level 2 options is intended to broaden participation and better match employer demand.

The courses have been developed with Qualifications Wales to ensure alignment with industry needs and qualification standards.

The announcement was highlighted during National Apprenticeship Week, with Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership Jack Sargeant visiting Pontyclun-based firm Excel Home Design to meet current construction apprentices.

The visit was hosted by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) and followed confirmation earlier this week that the Welsh Government has met its target of delivering 100,000 apprenticeships over the past 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.”

Qualifications Wales confirmed it is updating the qualification offer to support the new pathways, working with awarding body City & Guilds to introduce new qualifications linked to the trades covered.

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.”