The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has welcomed plans by the Welsh Government to create 100,000 all-age apprenticeships over the next five years.

As part of its five-year plan, First Minister Carwyn Jones revealed the government will promote growth in the "green economy" as well as working towards reducing greenhouse emissions by at least 80% by 2050.

However, while the FMB said it welcomes the initiatives, it believes ministers are "missing a trick" when it comes to improving energy efficiency in homes.

Ifan Glyn, Director of FMB Cymru, said: "The Welsh Government is missing a trick by omitting any mention of investing in the country’s existing housing stock. It’s our housing that produces one quarter of our current carbon emissions and this is because our homes are among the oldest and leakiest in the developed world. Investing in the refurbishment of our homes might not be as glamorous as other big capital spending projects, such as road, rail or energy projects, but this sort of work requires no planning permission and could start tomorrow – furthermore it would reach every local economy in Wales and provide the Welsh Government with more bang for its buck."

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Mr Glyn added: "We welcome the news that the Welsh Government remains committed to creating 100,000 all age high-quality apprenticeships. When it talks about “promoting green growth to create sustainable jobs for the future”, then construction will be vital to delivering those jobs, particularly given the key infrastructure opportunities that the country has over the next few years."

(LM/CD)