ColegauCymru is pleased to welcome the reintroduction of Level 2 apprenticeships in the traditional trades of brick laying and carpentry which were previously scrapped, as well as the introduction of new Level 2 qualifications in scaffolding and building maintenance. It demonstrates that Welsh Government has listened to the sector and acted.
The announcement was made by the Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership, Jack Sargeant MS, yesterday.
The re-introduction follows calls from colleges to revisit the decision taken in 2022 to scrap previous level 2 apprenticeship route in construction resulting in thousands of young people finding themselves shut out of the industry. Whilst the news is welcome, the additional numbers of apprentices will continue to add pressure to college budgets and therefore should be married with the appropriate level of funding to support it. We also believe that other traditional trades such as Plastering and Painting and Decorating should be considered for a funded reintroduction.
Commenting on the announcement, ColegauCymru Chief Executive, David Hagendyk, said,
“Yesterday’s announcement is the culmination of lots of work behind the scenes since the axing of level 2 construction apprenticeships in 2022. We wholeheartedly welcome the Minister’s decision to reintroduce this important pathway which will have a hugely positive impact on young people across Wales hoping to enter the construction industry and preventing them becoming part of NEET statistics.
Colleges have worked closely with Medr, Welsh Government and Qualifications Wales as well as employers to highlight the importance of the level 2 construction pathway, and we look forward to welcoming a new cohort in September. However, the new framework will also need to be backed up with appropriate funding to ensure this opportunity to build a highly skilled work force isn’t squandered.
The announcement from the Minister revealed that work on the new level 2 qualification is underway, with a plan to release a framework for consultation in April 2026 and with the hope the qualification will go live for a new group of learners in September.”
As we look ahead to the Senedd election in May 2026, we are calling on the next Welsh Government, working with Medr, to reverse cuts to the Apprenticeship Programme and re-commit to delivering a minimum of 125,000 high-quality all age apprenticeships over the term of the next Senedd. We need to power the next generation of new jobs in the private sector and to help rebuild key public services.
Further Information
Welsh Government Press Release
New apprenticeship courses in construction to be introduced in Wales
11 February 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
