New apprenticeship courses in construction are set to be introduced in Wales, with the aim of filling the skills gaps identified by the industry.
The announcement comes after the Welsh Government engages with apprenticeship providers, industry and learners, Level 2 apprenticeships pathways in bricklaying, site carpentry, scaffolding and building maintenance will be available later this year.
The apprenticeship courses are being introduced by Medr, a tertiary education funder and regulator after funding from Welsh Government.
Since 2022, the construction framework for apprentices has begun at Level 3, with the new Level 2 course aiming to provide wider choice for learners, whilst helping meet the sector’s skill demands.
As part of National Apprenticeship Week, Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership, Jack Sargeant, 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.”
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