Consultation Response
Medr/2025/17: Apprenticeship Programme in Wales
Deadline for Response: 31 October 2025
Medr is consulting on a new Apprenticeship Programme for Wales, and ColegauCymru has submitted evidence to its consultation. Medr has a once in a generation opportunity to build on the momentum built so far through Wales’ apprenticeships programme. In order to meet the future needs of individuals, employers and Wales’ economy, it is important that the new programme features fewer, but broader and more flexible apprenticeship frameworks, and a change to the existing funding mechanism which can stifle agile and innovative delivery.
ColegauCymru continues to call for a Vocational Education and Training Strategy (VET) aligned with Wales’ economic and industrial priorities. The strategy is critical to driving economic growth and to developing the green skills needed for today and for the future. A strong apprenticeships programme would form a key part of this, as well as bringing together coherent and well-understood 14 - 19 learning pathways, impartial careers information advice and guidance, effective support for employers, and provision planned and delivered based on robust labour market information.
These changes, taken together and alongside increased and sustainable funding for apprenticeships, would reinforce Medr’s view that apprenticeships are a key lever for driving productivity and helping to grow a skilled and diverse workforce. We need to power the next generation of new jobs in the private sector and to help rebuild key public services. Apprenticeships are vital to building a skilled workforce to support the Welsh economy. They provide life-changing opportunities for individuals to earn, learn, and thrive, while helping businesses grow and succeed.
Medr: Apprenticeship Programme in Wales Consultation
Growth, Opportunity, Fairness - Manifesto 2026
Further Information
Jeff Protheroe, Strategic Advisor - Work-Based Learning and Employability
Jeff.Protheroe@ColegauCymru.ac.uk
