ColegauCymru has responded to the Welsh Government’s consultation on the Structure for Welsh apprenticeship frameworks, highlighting the importance of the apprenticeship system for developing technical expertise and professional competence.
The Welsh Government proposal to revise and simplify the apprenticeship structure will help to increase understanding of apprenticeships for learners and their parents, as well as employers. Strengthening the apprenticeship structure will help to raise the attractiveness of vocational pathways and enhance esteem for technical occupations.
However, as well as developing learners’ technical skills, apprenticeships must also equip people with the employability and transferrable skills needed for working life and to manage career transitions in a changing labour market.
Kelly Edwards, Director of Development at ColegauCymru said,
“The Further Education sector welcomes a review of the apprenticeship structure and supports apprenticeship pathways being linked to technical and professional occupations.”
“However, it is important for apprenticeship learners to be supported by a broad programme of learning to enable wider skills acquisition. Leadership and management skills, for example, are important to all sectors and we must make sure we create a structure that develops future leaders for the benefit of the wider Welsh economy.”
“As well as highlighting the benefits of an apprenticeship programme for learners and for employers, ColegauCymru is committed to promoting progression opportunities and an equitable learning experience for all learners on vocational programmes across the Further Education sector.”
Further Information
Kelly Edwards, Director of Development
Kelly.Edwards@colegaucymru.ac.uk
