Latest news with #NationalTrainingFederationforWales
South Wales Argus
9 hours ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Welsh Government urged to invest in apprenticeships
The call comes in response to chancellor Rachel Reeves' announcement of £1.2 billion in annual funding for training and apprenticeships for over a million young people in England. The National Training Federation for Wales (NTFW) wants a similar commitment from the Welsh Government, which is set to receive £23 billion from the UK Government. Data from Medr, the regulator and funder of tertiary education and research in Wales, indicates that 1,880 fewer learners started apprenticeships in Wales between last August and January. The NTFW has consistently raised concerns about the potential impact of not replacing European funding for apprenticeships post-Brexit. Some sectors have been hit harder than others, with construction seeing a 26 per cent decline and health and social care experiencing a 10.5 per cent reduction in apprenticeship starts. Despite funding cuts, Wales has one of the UK's most successful apprenticeship programmes, with a completion rate of 74 per cent, outperforming England (61 per cent) and Northern Ireland (62 per cent). According to the Centre for Economics and Business Research, doubling investment in apprenticeships over the next Senedd term could generate an additional £3.4 billion in lifetime earnings for people in Wales over the next 30 years. The NTFW's call for more investment follows a meeting with Jack Sargent, the Wales minister for culture, skills, and social partnership. Lisa Mytton, NTFW's strategic director, said: "The Welsh Government could achieve crucial economic, health, and education priorities by investing more in apprenticeships and replacing lost European funding. 'Greater investment will create pathways for people of all backgrounds, whether starting their careers or reskilling for new opportunities, to thrive in industries essential to Wales' long-term prosperity."
Business News Wales
19-05-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Visit Enables International Exchange of Training Ideas between Wales and Catalonia
Visitors from Catalonia with National Training Federation for Wales members during their visit to ACT in Cardiff The organisation representing work-based learning providers across Wales has welcomed representatives from Catalonia to Cardiff to exchange international ideas on vocational training and youth employment. Paid for by the Erasmus+ EU programme supporting education, training, youth and sport across Europe, the visit was organised by the National Training Federation for Wales (NTFW) and included an opportunity for the visitors to view work-based learning provider ACT's apprenticeship and youth training programmes. The visiting delegation was from the Catalan Government's Work Department, with specialists in youth employment and international mobility. The NTFW, which represents the interests of training providers and learners across Wales, fosters strong partnerships with key stakeholders including the Welsh Government, Medr, Members of the Senedd, Qualifications Wales, Education Workforce Council and Estyn. The Federation brings together four of Wales' leading training providers – ACT, Itec Skills and Employment, Cambrian Training Company and Educ8 – all of whom were represented during the discussions. The visit formed part of a wider European study tour for the Catalan representatives who have also visited Finland, France, Italy, Portugal and Mexico to explore how different nations deliver government-funded training programmes. Despite differences in qualification frameworks and awarding bodies, both the Welsh and Catalan groups quickly identified shared challenges. These included rising numbers of young people classified as NEET – not in education, employment or training – difficulties in re-engaging learners once they leave the system and the growing demand for improved mental health support in training environments. NTFW members shared their experiences with the Jobs Growth Wales+ programme, which equips 16 to 19-year-olds with the skills, qualifications and work experience necessary to progress into employment or further training. In turn, Maribel Rodriguez, international programmes specialist with the Catalan delegation, introduced the ALMA programme. Funded by the Spanish Social Security Fund, the programme focuses on providing training, career guidance and overseas internship opportunities for young people seeking work abroad. Richard Spear, ACT's managing director, said: 'It was incredibly valuable to sit down with our visitors from Catalonia and learn about the innovative approaches they are taking to address challenges we also face here in Wales.' Lisa Mytton, NTFW strategic director, who chaired the meeting, added: 'We were delighted to share how we are championing vocational training in Wales. It's clear that while we face similar hurdles, we also share many strengths. Opportunities like this remind us of the power of collaboration and the importance of learning from each other.'
