Welsh Government urges students to consider apprenticeships
Welsh Government urges students to consider apprenticeships
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With thousands of young people across Wales receiving or preparing to receive their A-level, GCSE and vocational results in the coming weeks, the Welsh Government is promoting apprenticeships as a practical route into the workplace.
Through its Young Person’s Guarantee, ministers say they are working with employers to ensure 16 to 24-year-olds can access “high-quality, work-based learning routes” across a range of industries. Apprenticeships, they argue, provide the opportunity to “earn while you learn” while gaining nationally recognised qualifications – from GCSE-equivalent levels to degrees.
Apprenticeships in Wales are offered in sectors including digital technology, engineering, healthcare, construction and green energy. This year, the Welsh Government is spending £144 million on apprenticeship programmes, up from £128 million last year, and has supported 73,795 new apprenticeships during the current Senedd term.
Skills Minister Jack Sargeant said: “As a former apprentice myself, I know just how much of a rewarding pathway an apprenticeship and learning whilst you’re earning can be for a young person.
We implore students to consider alternative routes, apprenticeships offer the perfect combination of practical experience and professional development.
Through our Young Person’s Guarantee, we’re committed to ensuring every young person in Wales has access to high-quality apprenticeships that can launch brilliant careers. I encourage all students to explore the various opportunities available through Working Wales.”
The Welsh Government’s apprenticeship offer is delivered through a network of colleges, training providers and universities, with support from the Working Wales service, which provides guidance on applications and links students with employers. The scheme also includes targeted help for those who may face barriers to access.
Sargeant visited nuclear manufacturing firm Boccard in Deeside this week to see its apprenticeship programme in action. The company currently employs three apprentices, with two more due to start in September. Working in partnership with Coleg Cambria, Boccard apprentices gain hands-on training and develop digital and technical skills for manufacturing careers.
Doug McQueen, Managing Director of Boccard, said: “We’ve cultivated a supportive and motivating environment that boosts both confidence and performance, making a real impact on the wellbeing of our apprentices. Our strong partnership with Coleg Cambria reflects our commitment to nurturing local talent and building lasting connections with the community.
Our apprentices continue to excel. Most notably, our second-year apprentice Beau Tattersall recently won the Skill Weld National Heats – a testament to his dedication and the quality of training he receives. Beau is set to become an outstanding asset to our team.”
Tattersall, who specialises in welding and fabrication, said: “I find it helpful and enjoyable – I’ve learnt so much. I really enjoy the nuclear side of it, like the high-spec kind of stuff and hopefully I can progress with that.
I think the best part of an apprenticeship is earning whilst learning at the same time. Starting working early has definitely been an advantage.”
The Minister said the Welsh Government would continue working with employers in both the public and private sectors to ensure apprenticeships reflect Wales’s economic priorities, helping young people build skills that will remain in demand “for years to come.”
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