Proposed Apprenticeships Specification Cymru (ASC)

This consultation seeks views on the proposed Apprenticeships Specification Cymru (ASC) which specifies requirements in relation to “approved Welsh apprenticeships” as defined in section 111 of the Tertiary Education and Research (Wales) Act 2022 (TERA).

The current requirements for Welsh apprenticeships are set out in the Specification of Apprenticeship Standards for Wales (SASW), which was brought into force under section 28 of the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 (ASCLA). TERA introduces a new legislative framework for apprenticeships in Wales and, to support its implementation, Welsh Ministers are proposing the requirements in the ASC under section 115 of TERA.

The ASC specifies requirements in relation to the content of apprenticeship frameworks and how they are prepared, revised, withdrawn and published. Subject to consultation outcomes and subsequent Ministerial decisions, the ASC is intended to apply from 1 August 2027.

Apprenticeships play an important role in helping people develop skills, gain experience and progress in employment, whilst helping employers develop the skilled workforce they need.

The current requirements for Welsh apprenticeships are set out in the Specification of Apprenticeship Standards for Wales (SASW), which was brought into force under section 28 of the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 (ASCLA). The TERA introduces a new legislative framework for apprenticeships in Wales and section 115 provides the Welsh Ministers with powers to specify requirements in relation to approved Welsh apprenticeships.

To support the implementation of TERA, Welsh Ministers are proposing the requirements set out in the ASC. The ASC specifies requirements in relation to the content of apprenticeship frameworks and how they are prepared, revised, withdrawn and published. The ASC intended to apply from 1 August 2027, subject to consultation outcomes and subsequent Ministerial decisions.

The proposals are intended to maintain the strengths of the current apprenticeship system whilst providing a clear, consistent and durable framework for the future. They build on existing arrangements rather than replacing them and continue to place occupational competence at the centre of Welsh apprenticeships. Qualifications continue to play an important role within apprenticeship frameworks, whilst greater flexibility is proposed where qualifications are unavailable or require development.

This consultation seeks views on:

• the proposed ASC
• draft Guidance on the Application of the ASC
• the draft List of Recognised Proxy Qualifications for Essential Skills (Wales)
• the draft Integrated Impact Assessment

The consultation will help inform final decisions on the future requirements for approved Welsh apprenticeships.

Why changes are required

The current requirements for Welsh apprenticeships are set out in SASW. TERA establishes a new legislative framework for apprenticeships in Wales and introduces the concept of approved Welsh apprenticeships. Welsh Ministers have powers under section 115 of TERA to specify requirements in relation to approved Welsh apprenticeships, including the content of apprenticeship frameworks and how they are prepared, revised, withdrawn or published. ASC has been developed under section 115 of TERA to fulfil this role.

The ASC requirements

ASC is the proposed specification of requirements in relation to approved Welsh apprenticeships under Part 4 of TERA.

It specifies requirements relating to:

• apprenticeship framework structure and content
• occupational competence and technical knowledge
• qualifications and occupational standards
• assessment and successful completion
• Essential Skills requirements
• on- and off-the-job training
• Welsh language considerations
• framework review and maintenance arrangements

The proposed changes

The proposals are intended to modernise the framework for apprenticeships whilst maintaining continuity for learners and employers.

Key proposals include:

• establishing a new specification under section 115 of TERA to support implementation of the new legislative framework for apprenticeships in Wales
• providing greater flexibility where appropriate qualifications are unavailable or require development
• strengthening the link between occupational competence, occupational standards and assessment arrangements
• introducing a more proportionate approach to Essential Skills requirements at higher apprenticeship levels
• supporting consideration of opportunities to increase access to Welsh-medium apprenticeship provision

Elements that will remain unchanged

The proposals build on the existing Welsh apprenticeship system rather than replacing it.

Apprenticeships would continue to:

• focus on the achievement of occupational competence
• support recognised occupations
• include qualifications where appropriate qualifications are available
• require robust assessment arrangements
• support the needs of learners, employers and the Welsh economy

Existing apprentices would not be disadvantaged by the proposed changes. ASC is intended to apply to apprenticeship frameworks operating under the new arrangements set out in TERA from 1 August 2027, while apprentices who have already started their programme before 1 August 2027 would continue under the framework requirements that applied at the point of enrolment.

Relationship to wider apprenticeship reforms

The proposals in this consultation relate specifically to the proposed ASC.

TERA introduces a new legislative framework for apprenticeships in Wales and establishes distinct roles for the Welsh Ministers and Medr. Under section 115 TERA the Welsh Ministers have powers to specify requirements in relation to approved Welsh apprenticeships.

Medr is responsible for preparing or securing the preparation of apprenticeship frameworks and may publish frameworks if they comply with the requirements set by Welsh Ministers. Medr must also make arrangements to keep published frameworks under review with a view to determining whether the framework ought to be revised and, where appropriate, withdrawn in accordance with those requirements (see section 117 TERA).

This consultation does not seek views on apprenticeship funding arrangements or broader programme design. These matters fall within Medr's operational responsibilities and have been, or may be, the subject of separate Medr engagement and consultation activity. This consultation focuses specifically on the proposed requirements for approved Welsh apprenticeships and the supporting guidance and documentation.

Question 1

Flexibility and future-proofing

Relevant ASC provisions

2.2.1, 2.2.7 to 2.2.10

Objective

The draft ASC is intended to provide a more flexible and future-proof framework for apprenticeships in Wales. This includes allowing apprenticeship frameworks to use occupational standards and specified assessment arrangements where qualifications are unavailable or require development, while maintaining quality and consistency across the apprenticeship system.

Question

To what extent do you think the proposed requirements will support this objective?

Question 2

Occupational competence and assessment

Relevant ASC provisions

2.2.7 to 2.3.2

Objective

The draft ASC is intended to ensure that occupational competence remains at the centre of apprenticeship frameworks through requirements relating to occupational standards, standards of attainment and assessment arrangements. This includes requirements for frameworks based on qualifications and, where qualifications are unavailable or require development, frameworks based on occupational standards and equivalent learning and assessment.

Question

To what extent do you think the proposed requirements will support consistent achievement of occupational competence across apprenticeship frameworks?

Question 3

Minimum volume of learning

Relevant ASC provisions

2.1.6 to 2.1.9

Objective

The draft ASC would require apprenticeship frameworks to specify a minimum volume of learning expressed as CQFW credits and would retain a minimum requirement of 37 credits for occupational competence and technical knowledge.

The intention is to maintain a consistent minimum expectation across apprenticeship frameworks while providing stability during implementation of the ASC.

Question

To what extent do you think the proposed minimum requirement of 37 credits provides an appropriate basis for apprenticeship frameworks?

Question 4

Occupational competence credit requirement

Relevant ASC provisions

2.1.10

Objective

The draft ASC would require occupational competence to represent at least 50% of the total credit value of a framework, unless delivered through a combined competence and knowledge qualification.

The intention is to ensure that occupational competence remains the primary focus of apprenticeship frameworks while allowing flexibility across occupations and sectors.

Question

To what extent do you think the proposed requirement for occupational competence to represent at least 50% of total credit value will support high-quality apprenticeship frameworks?

Question 5

Essential Skills requirements

Relevant ASC provisions

2.6.1 to 2.7.3

Objective

The draft ASC would retain mandatory Essential Skills requirements for Foundation Apprenticeships (Level 2) and Apprenticeships (Level 3).

For Higher and Degree Apprenticeships (Levels 4 to 7), Essential Skills would no longer be mandatory. Instead, frameworks would be required to consider learner needs and could continue to include Essential Skills where they add value. Recognised proxy qualifications would continue to be accepted where specified within a framework.

The intention is to provide a more proportionate and flexible approach while maintaining support for learners who need to develop Essential Skills.

Question

To what extent do you think the proposed Essential Skills requirements strike an appropriate balance between maintaining the development of essential skills and providing flexibility for learners and employers?

Question 6

Essential Digital Literacy Skills

Relevant ASC provisions

2.6.1(ii), 2.6.2(iii), 2.6.3

Objective

The draft ASC would allow apprenticeship frameworks to include Essential Digital Literacy Skills where these are relevant to effective performance in the occupation, rather than requiring them in all cases.

The intention is to ensure digital skills requirements are proportionate, occupationally relevant and responsive to the needs of different sectors and occupations.

Question

To what extent do you think the proposed approach to Essential Digital Literacy Skills provides an appropriate balance between maintaining digital capability and allowing flexibility for different occupations and sectors?

Question 7

Essential Skills and Learner Age

Relevant ASC provisions

2.6.1 to 2.6.4

Objective

The draft ASC specifies Essential Skills requirements by apprenticeship level, rather than by learner age.

The intention is to ensure a consistent framework based on occupational and educational requirements while recognising that learners may enter apprenticeships with different prior achievements and experiences.

Question

To what extent do you think Essential Skills requirements should be determined by apprenticeship level and occupational need, rather than by the age of the learner?

Question 8

Transitional arrangements and implementation of change

Relevant ASC provisions

1.7.3 to 1.7.4, 1.8.1 to 1.8.4

Objective

The draft ASC provides that apprentices who entered into an approved Welsh apprenticeship before a revised Specification comes into force may continue to completion under the requirements that applied when their apprenticeship was entered into, subject to any specified transitional arrangements.

The intention is to provide stability for learners and employers while allowing the apprenticeship system to respond to changing requirements and priorities.

Question

To what extent do you think the proposed approach to transitional arrangements and implementation of changes provides an appropriate balance between system improvement and stability for existing learners, employers and providers?

Question 9

Draft guidance

Relevant document

Draft Guidance on the Application of the Apprenticeships Specification Cymru

Objective

The draft Guidance is intended to support the consistent interpretation and application of the ASC by providing additional information on how the requirements should be understood and applied in practice.

Question

To what extent do you think the draft Guidance provides sufficient clarity to support the development, approval, delivery, review and maintenance of apprenticeship frameworks?

Question 10

Proxy qualifications

Relevant document

Draft List of Recognised Proxy Qualifications for Essential Skills (Wales)

Objective

The draft Proxy List is intended to provide a clear and consistent approach to recognising qualifications that may be accepted as an alternative means of evidencing Essential Skills requirements within apprenticeship frameworks.

Question

To what extent do you think the draft Proxy List provides an appropriate basis for recognising alternative evidence of achievement for Essential Skills requirements?

Please identify any qualifications, qualification types or other evidence that you think should be added, amended or removed, providing reasons where possible.

Question 11

Other comments

Relevant provisions

All provisions.

Question

Do you have any additional comments on the draft Apprenticeships Specification Cymru (ASC), draft Guidance, draft List of Recognised Proxy Qualifications for Essential Skills (Wales), or any other aspect of the proposals?

Please provide any views on:

• the overall effectiveness of the proposals
• implementation considerations
• areas that may require further clarification
• potential unintended consequences, or
• any issues not addressed elsewhere in this consultation

Where possible, please refer to specific sections or paragraph numbers.

Question 12

Draft Integrated Impact Assessment

Relevant document

Draft Integrated Impact Assessment

Question

Do you think the draft Integrated Impact Assessment accurately identifies the likely impacts of the proposals?

Please identify any impacts that you think have not been adequately considered, including impacts on:

• learners
• employers
• providers
• people with protected characteristics
• children and young people
• Welsh-speaking communities
• people living in rural areas
• people experiencing socio-economic disadvantage
• particular sectors or occupations

Question 13

Equality and wider impacts

Relevant document

Draft ASC, Guidance, Proxy List and Integrated Impact Assessment

Question

Are there any impacts of the proposals on particular groups, communities or sectors that should be considered further, or any changes that could be made to enhance positive impacts or mitigate adverse impacts?

This may include impacts on:

• people with protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010
• children and young people
• Welsh-speaking communities
• people living in rural areas
• people experiencing socio-economic disadvantage
• employers, providers or learners in particular occupations or sectors, or
• any other groups you believe may be affected.

Please provide reasons and evidence where possible.

Question 14

What, in your opinion, would be the likely effects of draft Apprenticeships Specification Cymru (ASC) or supporting consultation documents on the Welsh language? We are particularly interested in any likely effects on opportunities to use the Welsh language and on not treating the Welsh language less favourably than English.

Do you think that there are opportunities to promote any positive effects?
Do you think that there are opportunities to mitigate any adverse effects?

Question 15

In your opinion, could the draft Apprenticeships Specification Cymru (ASC) or supporting consultation documents be formulated or changed so as to:

• have positive effects or more positive effects on using the Welsh language and on not treating the Welsh language less favourably than English, or 
• mitigate any negative effects on using the Welsh language and on not treating the Welsh language less favourably than English?

Question 16

We have asked a number of specific questions. If you have any related issues which we have not specifically addressed, please use this space to report them. 

You can respond to this consultation by completing the online response form, emailing your response, or writing to us using the contact details below.

Please submit your response by 4 December 2026.

Further information and related documents

Large print, Braille and alternative language versions of this document are available on request.

Contact details

For further information:

Apprenticeship Branch
Skills & Tertiary Education Division
Welsh Government
Cathays Park
Cardiff
CF10 3NQ

Email: ApprenticeshipTeam@gov.wales

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Welsh Government
Cathays Park
CARDIFF
CF10 3NQ
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