The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has expressed strong disapproval of the Welsh Government’s decision to reduce funding for technical apprenticeships by nearly 25%.
The association has thrown its support behind a campaign led by the National Training Federation Wales (NTFW) and Colegau Cymru, representing the Welsh further education sector, to reverse these “devastating cuts.”
They project that the decreased support, part of the Welsh government’s new ‘Economic Mission’ and involving lost funding from the European Union, would lead to a decline of almost 50% in apprenticeship starts across Wales in 2024/25, equating to 10,000 fewer opportunities.
Vale of Glamorgan MP Alun Cairns has also criticized the cuts as “shameful,” questioning the Welsh administration’s choice to prioritize spending on additional politicians over fostering essential skills for economic growth.
“These cuts are illogical,” remarked Helen Yeulet, BESA’s director of training and skills. “The Welsh government’s own 2021 evaluation emphasized the importance of apprenticeships in driving economic growth and enhancing career prospects for thousands of individuals.
“Current indications suggest that employer demand will rise throughout Wales in 2023/24. However, without funding for apprenticeships, there won’t be enough skilled individuals to fill these roles at a time when the need for skilled workers is growing.”
Yeulet emphasized that withdrawing funding from apprenticeships was “incredibly short-sighted,” noting that the UK government had recently announced a £50 million fund to boost apprenticeships in technical areas with shortages, including engineering. This is because it recognizes the need to enhance diversity and bring fresh talent into technical professions vital for economic growth.
ColegauCymru and NTfW urged employers to support their campaign to advocate for apprenticeships and prevent irreparable harm to the apprenticeship program in Wales.
