The Welsh Assembly has said that more employers across the country should co-invest in apprenticeship schemes. At a recent conference held by the National Training Federation for Wales in Newport, the Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology said employers must “step up to the plate”.

Julie James added that the current level of Welsh Assembly Government support for apprenticeships is unsustainable for budgetary reasons. “It is now down to employers to help support the learning costs of apprentices who do not fall within Welsh Assembly priority groups.”

Ms Jones said that 40% of Welsh employers do not invest in training — the worst percentage in the UK.