WAQ76548 (e) Tabled on 18/05/2018

What estimation has the Cabinet Secretary made of the number of apprenticeship opportunities for people aged 16-24, broken down by region?

Answered by Minister for Lifelong Learning and Welsh Language | Answered on 24/05/2018

The latest available data suggests that 10,765 apprenticeship programmes were started by 16-24 year olds during 2016/17.  This represents 45% of all apprenticeships commencing during this year.  The breakdown by region (based on the learner’s postcode) is as follows  

Region

 

Apprenticeships

North Wales

2,395

Mid Wales

615

South West Wales

2,660

South East Wales

4,955

Outside Wales

140*

Source: Lifelong Learning Wales Record

The Welsh Government has recently introduced an Employer Incentive Scheme to encourage SME’s to engage with the apprenticeship programme and recruit learners aged 16-19, particularly at key transition points for learners.

 The scheme commenced in August 2017 and provisional data indicates that at least 550 additional young apprentices have been recruited.

 As a result of this incentive, we anticipate that the number of apprenticeship opportunities made available to learners aged 16-24 will increase. 

 *Please note that Welsh Government supports apprenticeships programmes where the employment of the apprentice is predominantly in Wales.