Wales delivers more than 100,000 apprenticeships since 2021

Daniel Bevan - Editor

Subscribe to the Businessin Wales daily newsletter for FREE here.

More than 100,000 apprenticeships have been delivered in Wales during the current Senedd term, the Welsh Government has announced.

The milestone was confirmed by First Minister Eluned Morgan to coincide with the start of National Apprenticeship Week.

Since 2021, more than 100,000 people have taken up apprenticeships across Wales, gaining practical workplace skills and recognised qualifications.

The programme has supported employers in recruiting, training and retaining staff across sectors including construction, energy and the creative industries.

Apprenticeship opportunities span foundation to degree level, providing progression routes for learners while helping businesses strengthen their workforce.

First Minister, Eluned Morgan MS, 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 £500 million in apprenticeships during the current Senedd term.

Minister for Skills, Jack Sargeant MS, 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.”

As part of Apprenticeships Week, the First Minister visited Cardiff-based special effects company Real SFX, where she met SFX technician Will Houghman.

He joined the company as a Sgil Cymru apprentice in 2019 and is now a permanent employee, mentoring new apprentices and winning industry awards.

“My apprenticeship journey with Real SFX through Sgil Cymru has been lifechanging,” he said.

“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 has supported 15 apprentices since opening its Cardiff base in 2009, working closely with Sgil Cymru to provide hands-on training.

Apprentices are embedded within specialist teams across the company’s regional hubs, contributing to a range of high-end screen productions.