From education to employment

Apprenticeship trends we will see in 2025

by Ricahrd Spear, Managing Director ACT Training

We have seen many changes and challenges to Wales’ apprenticeship landscape in 2024, including funding cuts. Despite this, work-based learning continues to thrive, not only providing exciting opportunities for employees and potential employees but also narrowing the skills gap and supporting Wales’ organisations large and small across all sectors.

While the apprenticeship landscape can seem ever-changing, there are a few aspects we can predict. Here is what we can expect to see in the coming 12 months.

Professional qualifications will continue to thrive
Professional qualifications have always been a cornerstone of career progression, and their significance is only growing, particularly amongst career climbers who see the importance of honing their skills.

From project management and data analysis to advice and guidance and business administration, these qualifications offer apprentices a direct pathway to leadership roles.

For employers, these apprenticeships equip their employees with the strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities that they need to lead the business. In short, upskilling in this field is an investment in resilience – a must-have as we all weather current economic challenges.

Upskilling will be key to Wales’ Net Zero plans
As Wales commits to ambitious Net Zero targets, we have seen a significant uptake in businesses looking to get ahead of the crowd and make sense of what that means for them before things become legal.

Given its increasing importance, the green economy represents both a challenge and an opportunity. Apprenticeships in relevant topics such as carbon and energy management or IEMA accredited sustainability courses equip learners with the knowledge and practical skills needed to support decarbonisation efforts – cutting through the often-confusing jargon and offering easily-adopted solutions for individual business needs.

It’s no surprise then, that with closer scrutiny on Wales’ green strategy, that skills in this area will see a boom.

Organisations will invest in digital skills
Hybrid and remote working have become an integral part of most organisations for a few years now. But due to its rapid adoption coming from a place of urgent necessity rather than a steady interest, many businesses have the infrastructure without the proper training needed to fully utilise the digital products they have purchased.

As such, entry level digital apprenticeship – such as Digital Skills for Business – will continue to be popular, providing base level training for any staff member who uses a computer (and let’s face it, that’s most people).

More advanced digital subjects – such as user-centred designdigital marketing and cybersecurity – will also see a boost in demand as businesses get wise to the importance of its online assets, both from a security aspect as well as a promotional stance.

The need for Health and Social Care apprentices will increase
One of the sectors hardest hit by funding cuts this year was health and social care – alarming considering it is already under immense strain.

This has just added to a complex landscape, with health and social care continuing to be an attractive profession for many, but also struggling with staff hiring and retention.

As such, employers and employees are often supported by upskilling and on-the-job training to ensure staff are well-equipped to meet the demands of such a high-pressure and high-stakes sector.
It’s no secret that there is a direct correlation between economic inactivity and the health of a nation, so if Wales is to push forward with its plan for a prosperous economy, it will ensure the health and social care sector is its focus point.

For businesses in Wales, 2025 can be the year upskilling becomes a strategic priority. By investing in these four key areas, we have the opportunity to build a pipeline of talent equipped to tackle the challenges of the months ahead and beyond.

ACT Training


Related Articles

Top 10 independent school’s £150k sports facility completed ahead of summer

A LEADING independent school completed work on a new £150,000 multi-use sports facility. Already generating interest among prospective learners and the local community, thestate-of-the-art pitches at St Gerard’s School in Bangor have been completed ahead of the summer. The site includes a ‘next generation’ artificial grass surface which can be used for five-a-side football, netball, hockey, tennis, basketball and more. An access road, parking, running track and landscaping neighbour the development and there are plans to construct a toilet block and changing rooms in the coming months, in addition to floodlighting. The school – ranked eighth in the country in the Sunday Times Parent Power Guide – has invested heavily in its infrastructure over the last 18 months. Headteacher Campbell Harrison says they plan to do even more to attract pupils and support current learners and their families. “This is not just a MUGA (multi-use games area), it is a commitment to our pupils and the community,” he said. “We have a rich academic history but are also renowned for punching above our weight when it comes to sporting activity and achievement, producing many champions and elite young athletes over the years. “Most importantly, we promote health, wellbeing and exercise, combined with fun! That’s one of the main reasons behind this new facility, which I’m sure will prove very popular with learners but also people in north west Wales keen to participate in sports like five-a-side, netball and basketball in the evenings and on weekends.” Business Manager Steve Griffiths added: “The facility is a fantastic addition to the site and further improves our physical education (PE) provision. “We have also introduced a garden and landscaping around the area to complement the ‘wellness walk’ we launched last year, and the overall redevelopment of the seven-acre site.  “We have future plans but as always our key mission is to ensure the pupils receive the best education in a warm, welcoming setting – which they do.” Having achieved a 16% rise in learners in 2024 – and with further growth expected in Years 12 and Year 7 – St Gerard’s is well placed to sustain its position as an industry leader in the face of “huge challenges” facing the private education sector. The school has reinforced its long-term vision by investing not only in the sports and outdoor facilities but in revamping the Sixth Form suite, the library, and visitor car park in addition to roof repairs, a rebrand of the logo and website, and a £150,000 heating system. The school will be holding an open event on Saturday June 7 from 10am-1pm. 

Responses