Cefin Campbell MS, Deputy Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education
Today, I am pleased to announce the launch of a 12-week public consultation on the proposed Apprenticeships Specification Cymru.
Apprenticeships play an important role in helping people gain skills and move into employment, while helping employers develop the skilled workforce they need. As the needs of learners, employers and the Welsh economy change, it is important that the apprenticeship system continues to meet those needs.
The Tertiary Education and Research (Wales) Act 2022 creates a new legislative framework for apprenticeships in Wales. Under section 115 of the Act, Welsh Ministers may specify requirements in relation to approved Welsh apprenticeships. The requirements may relate to the content of apprenticeship frameworks or how they are prepared, revised, withdrawn or published. Apprenticeships Specification Cymru is proposed to set out those requirements and replace the current Specification of Apprenticeship Standards for Wales from 1 August 2027.
The proposed arrangements have been developed to provide a clear national framework for apprenticeships in Wales. They are intended to maintain quality and consistency across the apprenticeship system while allowing apprenticeship frameworks to adapt to changes in occupations, skills requirements and the labour market.
The consultation seeks views on a range of proposals relating to apprenticeship frameworks, occupational competence, qualifications, Essential Skills and the future operation of the apprenticeship system in Wales.
Existing apprenticeship arrangements will continue during the consultation period and throughout the transition to the new framework. Apprentices currently undertaking programmes will not be disadvantaged by these proposals.
I encourage employers, training providers, colleges, awarding bodies, representative organisations, apprentices and anyone with an interest in apprenticeships in Wales to respond to the consultation. Their views will help inform the final arrangements and the future of apprenticeships in Wales.