Education

Apprenticeships on the agenda

Published

10 years ago

November 19, 2015

Tom Sinclair

‘Wales needs a robust skills and training framework’: William
Graham, AM

DEPUTY MINISTER Julie James has welcomed the findings of an Estyn report highlighting success in addressing diversity and equality in the training of apprenticeships. Ms James committed the Welsh Government to sharing the best practice identified in the report among providers of Work Based Learning.
Ms James said: “We are hugely proud of our Apprenticeship programme here in Wales which is providing individuals with the opportunity to develop valuable skills and ensuring our future workforce is equipped with the tools to prosper in the economy of the future.
“We are committed though, to ensuring that everyone is able to experience the many benefits that apprenticeships have to offer, regardless of their background which is why we commissioned this report by Estyn.
“We welcome Estyn’s report which is broadly positive and we will continue to work with our partners to ensure the recommendations are addressed.
“We will now press ahead with sharing good practice models on recruitment and continue to demonstrate the positive benefits to employers of having a more inclusive and diverse workforce”.
The minister also set out the Welsh Government’s future plans for apprenticeships during a keynote speech at the National Training Federation for Wales’ annual conference.
The plans include a focussed drive on increasing the number of sixteen to eighteen year olds starting apprenticeships, a keener emphasis on higher skilled apprenticeships, particularly in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) sector and better links between Further Education programmes and Apprenticeships.
The Deputy Minister also confirmed the UK Government’s introduction of an apprenticeship levy across the UK has influenced the Welsh Government’s decision to defer publication of an implementation plan for apprenticeships in Wales.
The apprenticeship levy, announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer is a levy to be paid across the UK by all large employers including the public sector.
The Deputy Minister said: “We have developed an apprenticeships system that is well respected by employers, which offers the very best quality and the very best training. However, as our recent apprenticeship consultation revealed, there are areas where we can improve.
“There are too few sixteen to eighteen year olds starting apprenticeships. This has to change and that’s why we intend to re-focus our Young Recruits Programme to support additional sixteen to seventeen year old recruitment. Once we have put in place new plans for this age group, we would expect to see an increase to the six and half thousand places the network usually delivers.
“Many of our apprenticeships are also in sectors where the skills content is relatively low. This exacerbates the perception that apprenticeships are for those young people who are not capable of higher level skills.
“We must continue to grow apprenticeships in priority sectors and stretch them to meet emerging skill shortages in technical and highly skilled occupations, such as engineering and IT that will drive productivity.
“We have agreed to fund certain prescribed higher education qualifications when undertaken as part of a published Higher Apprenticeship framework. This will provide an additional stimulus to the employer market to kick start delivery in STEM related Higher Apprenticeships.
On the Welsh Government’s decision to defer publication of an implementation plan for apprenticeships in Wales the Deputy Minister said: “I am entirely supportive of the principle that employers should contribute towards the costs of apprenticeships. However, the levy proposals have been designed without consideration of the implications for the whole of the UK and encroach upon Wales’ devolved responsibilities.
“For all large employers in Wales the levy represents an additional tax burden. Up until now the UK Government has not provided any information on the potential impact on the Welsh budget, so at this point in time I’m unable to provide any assurances to employers.
“But what is clear about the levy is that it impedes our ability to craft our own policy. This is why I am deferring publication of an implementation plan for apprenticeships in Wales until more is known.”
The Welsh Conservatives have launched their own plan for apprenticeships, ‘Stronger Futures Cymru’, which they say would boost access and prioritise job creation for anyone of working age.
Accepting that apprenticeships and job-based learning play a vital role in developing an individual’s skills for the future whilst simultaneously helping businesses expand, the Welsh Conservatives say they would scrap the age cap and extend job duration, Introduce greater apprenticeship flexibility and boost promotion, and strengthen the ties between education, employment and the local business community. The Welsh Conservatives have suggested that the local business community could participate on school governing panels to advise on how best to integrate “work ready” skills into the curriculum.
Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for the Economy, William Graham, said: “Stronger Futures Cymru is an ambitious vision for apprenticeships in Wales and will help to ensure that Wales has a workforce equipped with the skills they need to drive the economy forward.”

Education

Prendergast School achieves gold award for Armed Forces support

Published

22 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Top honour recognises commitment to Service children and families

PRENDERGAST CP School in Haverfordwest has been awarded the highest possible recognition for its support of Armed Forces families.

The school has secured Gold Armed Forces Friendly School Cymru status, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing work to support pupils from Service backgrounds.

Headteacher Louise John said the achievement reflects a strong, whole-school commitment to ensuring Service children feel supported and able to succeed.

She said: “We are committed to ensuring Service pupils feel welcomed, understood and able to thrive.

“We recognise the unique experiences of children from Service families and have worked hard to embed that understanding across the school.

“Our approach focuses on early identification, strong communication with families, and consistent pastoral support.

“Achieving Gold status recognises the dedication of our staff and the inclusive practices already in place, while reinforcing our ongoing commitment to supporting Service children’s wellbeing, sense of belonging, and educational success.”

The Gold award, delivered through Supporting Service Children in Education Cymru (SSCE Cymru), requires schools to demonstrate strong and sustained support for Service children. This includes creating a positive environment where pupils can share their experiences and strengthening links with the wider Armed Forces community.

Prendergast CP School previously achieved both Bronze and Silver awards before progressing to the top level.

Cllr Simon Hancock, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Armed Forces Champion, praised the achievement.

He said: “I would like to congratulate Prendergast School on achieving the coveted Gold Armed Forces Friendly School Cymru status.

“From my visits, it is clear the school actively engages with the Armed Forces community and provides a positive and supportive environment for Service children.”

Cllr Guy Woodham, Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language, added: “This is fantastic recognition of the ongoing work at Prendergast School.

“It highlights the importance of supporting Armed Forces families and sets a strong example of best practice. Well done to everyone involved.”

Education

4 Essential Cyber Security Tips to Protect Your Data

Published

1 day ago

March 20, 2026

Staff Writer

Protecting your personal data and financial information is crucial. With scammers and hijackers getting more and more sophisticated, you need to implement proper cyber security systems in order to keep yourself protected.

With that in mind, here are four cybersecurity tips to help you stay safe online.

Use Strong Passwords

A strong password is a basic security essential. A password that’s difficult to guess makes it harder for unauthorised users to gain access.

When creating a password, consider these guidelines:

Length – the longer the better, as there’s more opportunity to get it wrong
Character variation – use a combination of upper and lower case, symbols, and numbers
Avoid personal information – birthdays or other important dates, names, streets etc.
Keep passwords unique – don’t use the same password on different sites

It’s also a good idea to set up two-factor authentication. This adds an extra layer of security, should your password be compromised.

Most people use simple passwords so they’re easy to remember, but this can be risky. If you struggle to remember complex passwords, consider using a password manager such as NordPass to securely store your passwords.

Remain Vigilant

It’s important to remain vigilant of scams or phishing attempts. They usually come through as emails or text messages and there are a few clear signs of malicious intent:

Misspellings – particularly in the email address itself
Pressure to take action – scammers often aim to create a sense or urgency to get you to take action without thinking
Asking for sensitive information – legitimate companies don’t typically ask for passwords or financial details via text or email. Never give personal information away without verifying the legitimacy of the site and the correspondence
Suspicious links – don’t click links that you’re unsure of or ones where the URL destination is completely different to the hyperlinked text (you can hover over links without clicking to see this)

Keep Your Software Up to Date

Keeping your software up-to-date ensures that you remain protected. Software updates are often designed to bridge security gaps and protect against new threats, plus new systems are typically better equipped to resist malware. Consider turning on automatic updates so you don’t miss any.

Remove Malware Immediately

If you notice that your device is slower than usual, apps that you don’t recognise have been installed, or pop-up ads are appearing everywhere, you may have malware on your device.

It’s important to run a scan to detect malware if you suspect your device has been affected, and remove it promptly. There is plenty of step-by-step help out there that can help you remove malware from your device.

Safeguard Your Data

By using strong passwords, remaining vigilant of scams and phishing attempts, keeping your software and devices up to date, and removing malware as soon as possible, you can help ensure your personal and financial information remains secure.

Education

Milford Haven school plans unveiled but funding not yet secured

Published

2 days ago

March 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PLANS for a new £100 million school in Milford Haven have been unveiled, but the project has not yet secured full approval and remains subject to further funding decisions.

Pembrokeshire County Council this week released details of the proposed development, alongside a professionally produced video featuring First Minister Eluned Morgan, senior council figures and school leaders outlining the vision for a modern, state-of-the-art school.

The announcement comes just seven weeks before the Senedd election.

The proposed scheme would see the development of a new, purpose-built school designed to provide modern learning environments for pupils across Milford Haven and the surrounding area. Plans include specialist teaching facilities, improved accessibility throughout the site, and enhanced outdoor learning and play areas.

Council officials say the project will also place a strong emphasis on sustainability, incorporating energy-efficient systems and modern building standards aimed at reducing long-term environmental impact and running costs.

Outline stage only

Despite the high-profile launch, the project is currently at Strategic Outline Case (SOC) stage — an early stage in the public sector approval process.

SOC approval means the scheme has been accepted in principle, but key elements — including final costs, detailed design and overall value for money — have not yet been fully assessed.

Crucially, no final funding commitment has yet been made.

Before the project can proceed to construction, it must pass through the full business case (FBC) process. This stage requires detailed financial modelling, technical planning and formal sign-off from funding bodies, including the Welsh Government.

Only if that process is successfully completed will funding be formally approved and delivery authorised.

Political and funding context

Major school developments in Wales are typically delivered through joint funding arrangements between local authorities and the Welsh Government, often under long-term investment programmes aimed at modernising the education estate.

While both council leaders and Welsh Government representatives have expressed support for the Milford Haven project, schemes at SOC stage can still be subject to revision, delay or, in some cases, may not proceed if funding or value-for-money criteria are not met.

Large infrastructure announcements are often made at this stage to outline ambition and begin public engagement, ahead of final decisions on funding and delivery.

Long-running campaign

Cllr Guy Woodham, Cabinet Member for Education, said he had been working towards securing a new school for several years.

He said: “I have been Cabinet Member for Education since 2019 and I have been fighting for a new school for Milford all that time.

“This project represents a major investment in our children’s future and will provide a safe, modern and inclusive environment where pupils can thrive.”

The Welsh Government has also welcomed the plans, describing them as part of its wider programme to improve school facilities across Wales.

Community involvement

The council has confirmed that the next phase of the project will involve consultation and engagement with pupils, staff, parents and local residents.

This process is expected to help shape the detailed design of the school before a full business case is submitted.

Not yet a confirmed build

While the plans have been presented as a significant step forward for education in Milford Haven, the project remains a proposal rather than a confirmed construction scheme.

At this stage, timelines for delivery have not been finalised, and progression will depend on the outcome of the business case process and the availability of funding.

For now, the new school remains an ambition backed in principle — but not yet a guaranteed build.

Cover image:

Delighted with announcement: First Minister, Eluned Morgan MS