WIREDGOV

An independent evaluation of the Welsh Government’s Apprenticeship programme has found the vast majority of performance targets were exceeded.

The ‘Evaluation of the Work-Based Learning Programme 2011 2014: Apprenticeships’ report also reveals that Apprenticeship success rates are high at 84% and the majority of employers were happy with their apprenticeships experience saying it was likely that they would offer apprenticeships in the future.

The Welsh Government’s Apprenticeship programme is one of several Work Based Learning and skills and employability programmes that have received support from the European Social Fund since 2011.

In addition to exceeding most of the targets set out by the ESF the evaluation also found that stakeholders agreed that the Work Based Learning programme fitted well with Welsh Government policy and met local training needs.

The report makes a series of recommendations for further improvements including around communicating the benefits of apprenticeships to young people, targeting of funded support to meet high demand and matching suitable employers and apprentices.

Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, Julie James welcomed the publication of the evaluation:

“This independent report confirms what we have been saying for some time; our Apprenticeships programme has been highly successful and is making a big difference to individuals, employers and the wider Welsh economy.

“Many thousands of people have had the opportunity to acquire crucial skills, knowledge and experience and over half of them have gained a valuable qualification in the process.  Meanwhile apprenticeship success rates are rising and now stand at an impressive 84%.

“I’m particularly pleased that the majority of employers said they were happy with their apprenticeship experience and it was likely that they would offer apprenticeships in the future.  As our economy grows and more job opportunities emerge, we need to ensure we are doing everything we can to meet the demands of tomorrow’s workforce.”

“We will continue to work hand in hand with businesses to support them in taking on apprentices and we will take on board all of the recommendations in this report to ensure that we continue to deliver apprenticeships that help us develop the vibrant, highly skilled economy that will help Wales prosper in the future”.

The Deputy Minister also welcomed the contribution the European Social Fund has made towards Welsh Government skills and employability programmes:

“European Funding has been crucial in helping us to develop and deliver policies that are transforming the prospects of individuals, businesses and the wider Welsh economy. It’s my view that Wales benefits greatly from being in the EU and continued membership is vitally important for our prosperity”.