Does the Welsh Government have a specific strategy or action plan to increase Welsh medium and bilingual apprenticeship opportunities?
The Welsh Government has a clear strategy to increase Welsh‑medium and bilingual apprenticeship opportunities. This is supported by targeted funding incentives, including uplift payments for programmes delivering over 30% of learning through the medium of Welsh, and by actions within sector‑specific plans to expand provision in areas with strong learner demand.
In addition, Medr has consulted on the new apprenticeship programme, due to commence in April 2027. Medr’s consultation which fully considered the Welsh language, including how apprenticeship opportunities can be better promoted and how bilingual uptake can be increased across Wales and sectors. The consultation findings, to be published in the week of 16 February, are being fully factored into the design of the new programme.
Apprenticeships with 30% or more Welsh medium delivery will also form part of the National Plan for the Welsh Language, recognising their role as a key pathway into Welsh‑medium vocational and technical provision. As part of this work, Medr will engage with apprenticeship providers to understand how they can contribute and how best to support increased Welsh‑medium delivery and assessment across the system.
Together, these measures form a coherent strategic approach that strengthens Welsh‑medium apprenticeship provision and supports the ambitions of Cymraeg 2050.