6. How will the policies contained in the Welsh Government’s ‘Taking Wales Forward’ programme improve employment opportunities in Wales? OAQ(5)0039(EI)

‘Taking Wales Forward’ sets out how we will deliver a prosperous and secure Wales that supports business and enables the economic conditions necessary to create wealth and employment opportunities across Wales.

Thank you for the reply, Minister. Creating a highly skilled workforce is vital if we are to meet the needs of a growing economy. How will the Cabinet Secretary ensure that the 100,000 apprenticeships pledge in the programme for government will deliver the skills required by the businesses to make them grow, thereby improving employment opportunities in Wales?

The all-age apprenticeship programme has been commenced. We are confident, based on our record—and it’s a proud record—of being able to deliver at least 100,000 all-age apprenticeships. I say we’re proud of the record, because we have a record completion rate for apprenticeships in Wales. Completion rates now stand at well above 80 per cent. That fares incredibly well compared to England, which has a completion rate of something in the region of 72 to 74 per cent. We’ve got the record of delivery, we’ve got the training providers, we’ve got the employers who wish to take full advantage of the all-age apprenticeship scheme, but that, in itself, will form part of a very unique, novel and, we think, one of the best employability schemes in Europe.

We have redesigned the package of support that we offer, not just to employers, but also to individuals who are either outside of the marketplace or who require additional skills to rise up through their employers’ ranks. That employability programme will be launched, we anticipate, in 2018. As I say, it will bring together all strands of Government activity with regard to employability.