Apprenticeships Build Skills That Last a Lifetime

When I left school at 17, I wanted a car, but I also wanted a degree. An apprenticeship gave me both. I earned while I learned, gaining qualifications while developing skills on the shop floor that have stayed with me throughout my career.  

Today, as Welsh Government Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership, those same problem-solving and decision-making skills I learned as an apprentice help shape the policies that will support the next generation of apprentices across Wales. 

Apprenticeships are vital to the Welsh economy. They equip people with the practical skills businesses need, ensuring industries from advanced manufacturing to health and social care, legal services to semiconductors, have a skilled workforce for the future. In North East Wales, where I grew up, advanced manufacturing is a major employer, and I know how apprenticeships provide a route into high-quality jobs. Companies like Airbus set the gold standard for apprenticeships, and their success is a model for others. But while large employers play a crucial role, apprenticeships are just as important for SMEs, helping them develop the talent they need to grow. 

Welsh Government is committed to supporting apprenticeships, and our draft Budget for the next financial year includes £144 million of investment to fund apprenticeships across Wales. This funding ensures businesses of all sizes can take on apprentices, providing opportunities for thousands of people to gain skills and progress in their careers.  

We have a target of 100,000 apprentices in this Senedd term, and by working in collaboration with training providers we’ll be able to deliver against that. 

As we mark National Apprenticeship Week, it’s a good time to reflect on the opportunities apprenticeships provide. But the value of apprenticeships extends far beyond one week of the year. For anyone considering their next step – whether leaving school, changing career, or looking to develop new skills – apprenticeships offer a strong route into employment. They provide real-world experience alongside recognised qualifications, and they give people the chance to earn while they learn. 

For businesses, the message is clear. Apprenticeships are an investment in the future. Employers can access funding to bring in new talent or upskill existing staff, and support is available from training providers across Wales. Colleges like Coleg Cambria in the north and Cardiff and Vale College in the south are excellent points of contact for businesses looking to take on apprentices. Careers Wales can also offer guidance to individuals and employers alike. 

My apprenticeship shaped my career, and I want others to have the same opportunities I had. The skills I learned on the shop floor still influence the way I work today, and I know that for many apprentices, the lessons they learn now will stay with them for life. That is why we must continue to champion apprenticeships, ensuring that businesses and individuals alike can benefit from the skills, training, and opportunities they provide.