Montgomeryshire Politicians are concerned that proposed Welsh Government cuts threaten future of apprenticeship programmes in Mid Wales
The Welsh Government draft budget has proposed cuts to apprenticeship programmes, raising concerns about the future of skills development and employment opportunities in Wales. Last month 65 Welsh companies in a variety of sectors co-signed an open letter, emphasising the value of apprenticeships and detailing the negative impact cuts would have on their industries.
Russell George MS and Craig Williams MP this week (12/02/2024) visited Carpenter & Paterson LTD, an engineering and manufacturing company based in Welshpool. Established in 1956, the business designs and manufactures products for a variety of industries including power generation, renewable energy and nuclear.
The Welshpool firm’s workforce is currently made up of over 12% of apprentices, many of which are currently working on a project that supplies products to the Hinkley Point C project that is seen as vital to the UKs future energy needs.
On their visit, Mr George and Mr Williams were also joined by Nick Jones of Myrick Training Services who support and develop engineers from across Mid Wales through the apprenticeship work-based learning scheme. The organisation helps to connect employers, colleges, and apprentices to cultivate the future workforce.
Managing director at Carpenter & Paterson, Jonathan Lee said:
“For young people who want to continue in education, apprenticeships offer an alternative solution to university. Maintaining a healthy flow of apprentices is key to the future of engineering and manufacturing across Wales, as well as other industries.”
Following the visit, Montgomeryshire MS Russell George said:
“Carpenter & Paterson has a strong track record in supporting apprenticeship programmes at all levels within the company.
“The proposed cuts to apprenticeship programmes by the Welsh Government will impact companies across Mid Wales, as well as young people who want to work, learn, and grow in an alternative way to university.
“In Mid Wales, we are desperate for highly skilled paid jobs. I want to champion the commitment to investment in the training and education of young people that Carpenter & Paterson currently provide, and want to continue to provide.
“It was great to meet some of the apprentices currently working for the company, and to congratulate Calum Greatorex who recently won ‘Apprentice of the Year’ for Skills Academy Wales as a level 3 Myrick apprentice.
“Winning this award demonstrates the high level of dedication Calum has shown to his apprenticeship, as well as the first-class training and experience he is receiving. His achievement and hard work proves that continuing the funding for apprenticeship programmes will help produce high calibre apprentices from across Mid Wales.”
Commenting, Montgomeryshire MP Craig Williams said:
“Any reduction in funding risks undermining these efforts and hindering the ability of businesses to recover and thrive in the post-pandemic landscape. I, alongside Russell are calling on the Welsh Government to reconsider these proposals and back apprentices and businesses across Mid Wales.
“I want to thank Jonathan Lee for spending time with us, and I was pleased to hear more about the company’s vital work on important UK projects such as Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C.”
Myrick Training’s Nick Jones said:
“Welsh Government apprenticeship funding cuts will affect the ability of companies such as Carpenter & Paterson to take on apprentices, that are a key requirement for building future company success. Without apprenticeships, the mechanism for ensuring the continuation and availability of these vital skills will be lost. . This is very concerning, and will unfortunately negatively impact the labour skills that are critical to a company’s future.’
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