Higher Apprenticeship programmes launched in Wales

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) has announced two new Higher Apprenticeship programmes in Construction Management and Quantity Surveying in response to construction growth across the region.

Over 12,000 new construction roles are forecast to be created in Wales over next five years, and the two new Higher Apprenticeship programmes have been developed to meet this demand. The university is working directly with industry partners and in collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), the Construction Wales Innovation Centre (CWIC) and the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) to deliver these programmes at the Faculty of Architecture, Computing and Engineering from October onwards.

The construction industry has been fundamental to the creation of the new Higher Apprenticeships, and the Welsh government is keen to see the continued and increased involvement of professional bodies in the promotion of Higher Apprenticeships.

According to Mark Bodger, Partnership Director at CITB Cymru Wales: “The construction sector in Wales has very much championed the creation of these new Higher Apprenticeships. Industry’s continued involvement has provided the momentum to see the concept developed to an approved course in a little over 12 months. A wide collaboration working together with CWIC and CITB have produced a Higher Apprenticeship that will appeal to small and large contractors. It is another demonstration of the variety of routes into construction as a career and has the potential to be a life changing opportunity for many young people who will hopefully go on to become the future leaders of this industry.”

Gareth John, Chair of CIOB Cardiff Hub added: “We believe that the skills shortages we face as an industry can best be addressed through collaborative working by the key construction industry stakeholders here in Wales. Through a collaborative approach with UWTSD, CITB, CWIC and employers, we have been able to identify both the current skills needed, and also the future skills needed for this fast moving and ever-changing industry.”

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