Written question WQ83538

As there are significant variations in the cost of an apprenticeship (based on level, occupational sector and length of programme) contracts are awarded on the basis of value rather than start numbers. As such, it is impossible to predict with accuracy how many apprenticeships will be created in any one year. However, information received to date indicates that we are currently on track to deliver against our Programme for Government commitment to create 125,000 starts during this current term.

Actual apprenticeship start numbers are published on an annual basis in the February after the contract year end (where a contract year covers the period from 1 August to 31 July). The data for 2019/20 (latest data available) can be obtained at:

https://statswales.gov.wales/Catalogue/Education-and-Skills/Post-16-Education-and-Training/Further-Education-and-Work-Based-Learning/Learners/Work-Based-Learning/learningprogrammestarts-in-workbasedlearning

We have further extended the Apprenticeship Employer Incentive Scheme to support businesses in recruiting apprentices in Wales until February 2022. The scheme is a key part of Welsh Government’s Covid Commitment to support businesses and workers in recovering from the impacts of coronavirus.