The Welsh Government has revealed plans to invest an extra £15.5 million to create 100,000 high quality apprenticeship places.

The funding boost will be used to address skills shortages by developing apprenticeships growth and emerging sectors such as the ICT, Engineering, Construction and Financial and Professional Services.

Welcoming the announcement, Ifan Glyn, Director of Federation of Master Builders (FMB) Cymru, said the commitment "will ensure Level 4 and above qualifications will be given priority in the coming years".

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"Given the financial constraints the Welsh Government are being forced to contend with by Westminster, the importance of prioritising higher level apprenticeships capable of giving maximum return on investment is paramount," he said.

"It's undoubtedly positive news that the construction industry, which is set to take a central role in the Welsh economy in the coming years, has been recognised as one of those areas where the need for more skilled labour is urgent. Investment in construction apprenticeships is an investment in the economic health of this country."

(LM)