The Welsh Assembly has released figures showing that 28,000 people in Wales started apprenticeships in 2012/13 — up 56% on 2011/12. Moreover, 2,275 Higher Apprenticeships were created, as opposed to just 280 in the previous year.

Ken Skates, Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, said: “This number of new apprentices is impressive; financial support is in place to ensure that they continue with their learning, so they can achieve their apprenticeship aspirations.” The Welsh Assembly’s apprenticeship programme is part-funded by European structural funds.