Marvin OnumonuCBI Wales has urged for businesses to help design Wales’ apprenticeship programme to equip employees with the skills needed for growing sectors.
Their briefing paper, ‘The Business of Apprenticeships,’ suggests making the apprenticeship system more efficient, targeting green industries, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced manufacturing.
The paper proposes expanding apprenticeships into science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and higher education to tackle skills shortages in data analysis and AI.
Welsh Government’s focus on employer-led courses and sustainability is praised, but businesses want more flexible, modular courses and inclusive training to quickly address emerging skills needs.
Russell Greenslade, director of CBI Wales, said: “In the rapidly changing world of apprenticeships, business, the Welsh Government, training providers and education institutions need the resources to deliver a workforce equipped with the skills to grow a sustainable Welsh economy.
“Apprenticeships are worth £18 to the economy per £1 spent on them, future proofing the labour market with a skilled, productive and healthy workforce.
“Barriers to employers investing in apprenticeships also need to be identified and removed.”
Greenslade added: “This briefing highlights the key issues raised by firms across Wales and the opportunities to make training more relevant, flexible and accessible.
“The Welsh Government is right to develop the principles of employer-led pathways and to focus on emerging skills such as sustainability and data analysis.”
He said: “Persistent labour and skills shortages are one of the most pressing issues holding back economic growth.
“A refreshed Welsh apprenticeship system can deliver for people across socio-economic groups, employers and communities in a fast-changing economy.”
