This week, as Apprenticeship Week Wales 2026 (9 - 15 February) celebrates the vital role apprenticeships play in powering our economy and public services, ColegauCymru is calling on the next Welsh Government to recommit to a bold, ambitious Apprenticeship Programme that builds on the strong momentum of the last two Senedd terms.
Colleges across Wales have been central to the success of apprenticeships, working in close partnership with employers to deliver high-quality, all-age opportunities that support learners, communities and the wider economy. This Apprenticeship Week Wales, we are celebrating those achievements - while looking firmly to the future.
In our Growth, Opportunity and Fairness Manifesto for the Senedd 2026 election, ColegauCymru is clear: the next Welsh Government must reverse recent cuts to the Apprenticeship Programme and recommit to delivering at least 125,000 high-quality all-age apprenticeships over the course of the next Senedd term.
A renewed Apprenticeship Programme is essential to:
- Power the next generation of private sector jobs, supporting productivity and economic growth
- Rebuild and sustain key public services, including health, social care and education
- Create inclusive, all-age pathways into skilled employment for people across Wales
- Support employers to grow their workforce with the skills they need, now and in the future
Wales has shown what is possible when apprenticeships are properly supported. Over the last two Senedd terms, sustained investment and collaboration have enabled colleges and employers to expand provision, raise quality and widen participation. That progress must not be lost.
Prospective apprentices can search for an apprenticeship on the Welsh Government website at Find an apprenticeship.
Senedd Apprenticeships Fayre
As part of Apprenticeship Week Wales 2026, together with with the National Training Federation for Wales (NTFW) ,ColegauCymru will return to the Senedd to host the Apprenticeships Fayre on Wednesday 11 February. Building on the success of last year’s event, the Fayre will bring together colleges and training providers from across Wales to showcase the breadth of apprenticeship talent on offer, with apprentices leading hands-on demonstrations of real-world skills across key sectors. Hosted by the Cross-Party Group on Apprenticeships and attended by the Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership, Jack Sargeant MS, the event will provide a valuable opportunity for Senedd Members to engage with apprentices, employers and providers, and highlight the vital role apprenticeships play in driving growth, tackling skills shortages and strengthening communities across Wales.
As Wales looks ahead to the Senedd 2026 election, ColegauCymru is calling for a renewed national commitment to apprenticeships as a cornerstone of economic resilience, social mobility and fair work.
During Apprenticeships Week Wales, we celebrate the learners, employers and college staff who make apprenticeships such a success - and we set out a clear, positive vision for how the next Welsh Government can ensure that apprenticeships continue to change lives, strengthen communities and drive growth across Wales.
Further Information
Welsh Government
Apprenticeship Week Wales 2026
ColegauCymru Manifesto for the Senedd 2026 election
Growth, Opportunity and Fairness
Jeff Protheroe, Strategic Adviser - Work-based Learning and Employability
Jeff.Protheroe@ColegauCymru.ac.uk
