Investing in Apprenticeships is an Investment in Wales’ Future

Apprenticeships are an investment in people, skills, and the future of the Welsh economy. As principal of Cardiff and Vale College, one of the largest apprenticeship providers in Wales, I see how they change lives, help businesses grow, and contribute to the strength of entire industries.  

We work with more than 2,000 employers each year, delivering apprenticeships across a huge range of sectors, from engineering and advanced manufacturing to accountancy, leadership, and creative industries. 

There is a common thread in all of these fields. Whether it’s a young person taking their first step into work, someone retraining for a new career, or a business looking to bring in fresh talent, apprenticeships create opportunities that benefit both individuals and employers. The ability to earn while learning is a powerful driver of social mobility, offering a route into high-quality jobs without the burden of student debt. 

Many of the young people we work with come from less affluent areas, and apprenticeships provide them with a real, tangible way to build a future. It is inspiring to see their confidence grow as they gain practical skills and hands-on experience. Employers, in turn, see the benefits of bringing in apprentices who are eager to learn and develop. These are people who stay and progress within organisations, developing the specialist knowledge and experience that businesses need to thrive. 

Investing in apprenticeships is investing in the long-term success of Welsh businesses. The evidence is there: a CBI report found that for every £1 invested in an apprentice, £18 is returned to the economy. That is a clear sign that apprenticeships drive productivity, innovation, and business growth.  

For SMEs in particular the support provided by colleges and training providers makes a huge difference. We help with recruitment, assessment, and the paperwork, making it as easy as possible for employers to take on an apprentice. Once they do, they nearly always come back for more because they see the value it brings. 

There is a need to continue expanding the conversation around apprenticeships. While traditional trade apprenticeships remain vital, there are now more opportunities in areas such as life sciences, legal services, and creative industries. Companies investing in Wales, from Boeing at Cardiff Airport to semiconductor firms, need skilled workers. Developing talent pipelines through apprenticeships is key to attracting further inward investment. 

We also know that apprenticeships are one of the most effective ways to address skills gaps, particularly at levels three and four, where we need more highly skilled workers. By giving young people a clear path into these industries, we ensure that businesses have access to the talent they need to grow. 

One of my favourite examples of the impact of apprenticeships is our Junior Apprenticeship Programme. We worked with a young man named Kyle, whose school attendance was low, and who felt that the traditional academic route wasn’t for him. He joined our programme at 14, focused on automotive studies, and progressed through level two and then onto a level three apprenticeship with a local garage. He went on to be a finalist in the UK’s Inspiring Skills competition. 

Kyle’s story is one of determination and opportunity, but it also highlights the wider impact of apprenticeships. His success has inspired his younger siblings, who are now following in his footsteps. That’s what apprenticeships do – they create opportunities not just for individuals, but for families, businesses, and entire communities. 

This is why continued investment in apprenticeships is so important. They are not just about training individuals; they are about developing the skills base that will underpin the future of the Welsh economy. They provide businesses with the talent they need and create opportunities for people to build careers that they might never have thought possible. 

National Apprenticeship Week is a great time to reflect on this, but the message is relevant all year round. To employers, I would say: look at the benefits apprenticeships can bring to your business. To policymakers, I would say: continue to invest in these programmes to strengthen Wales’ position as a place of skills and innovation. And to anyone thinking about their future career, I would say: apprenticeships, apprenticeships, apprenticeships – go for it.