Written question WQ97294

The Welsh Government continues to work closely with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), Medr, Qualifications Wales, Regional Skills Partnerships (RSPs), and other stakeholders to deliver and respond to evolving sector needs.

CITB led the development of the construction degree apprenticeship framework, which includes higher-level pathways in civil engineering, quantity surveying, surveying and construction management. These were developed over an 18-month period and are now being delivered by the University of South Wales, Wrexham University, and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, with first cohorts having commenced in September 2024.

Medr is working closely with CITB, Qualifications Wales, RSP groups and other stakeholders to respond to industry and sector needs in developing a new suite of Level 2 and Level 3 apprenticeship frameworks. These will include the new industry competence standards that will be introduced in 2027. There is a Level 2 and Level 3 pathway in Civil Engineering, the content of which has been agreed by CITB. This is the only Civil Engineering Apprenticeship Pathway in the Construction and Building Services sector approved for use in Wales that is eligible for Medr funding.

A representative of the CITB was involved in a ministerial led roundtable on the built environment as part of the Green Skills review undertaken in the first half of this year. Recommendations from the review will help us to shape targeted activity this year to strengthen our approach in a number of key sectors including construction.

Our skills offer is crucial in supporting our Optimised Retrofit Programme (ORP). Welsh Government have been working alongside the CITB, Regional Skills Partnerships and Qualifications Wales to develop our understanding of the skills needs of the Retrofit sector which will allow us to better shape our offer as demand increases and create a tailored package of support.