The Welsh Government has unveiled plans to create 100,000 all-age apprenticeships.

In its Budget for 2016/17, the government will commit £111 million towards creating new traineeships and apprenticeships.

Welcoming the announcement, the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) said the government needs to focus on allocating the funds to industries were skilled workers are most needed, particularly the construction industry.


Ifan Glyn, Director of FMB Cymru, said: "Our sector is already suffering from an enormous talent shortage, and this is only likely to worsen as the Welsh Government embarks on its drive to build more homes in addition to the obvious pressures that will be created by major infrastructure projects such as the new Wylfa nuclear power plant.

"Businesses need to know whether the projected number of construction apprenticeships to be funded will be adequate to plug this skills gap. At a time of continued reductions in UK-wide spending and economic uncertainty in the wake of Brexit, creating jobs with a virtual guarantee of high value, well paid employment that will help generate activity throughout the Welsh economy is a no brainer. Few industries are better placed to provide such opportunities than construction."

(LM/JP)