An organisation that represents work-based learning providers across Wales is urging the Welsh Government to support apprenticeships with some of the £283.126 million it has pledged for the education and training of healthcare professionals.

The National Training Federation for Wales (NTFW) has welcomed a statement by Health and Social Services Minister Eluned Morgan pledging to maintain funding for healthcare professionals for the academic year 2024/25. 

However, the pledge coincides with a £38m cut to apprenticeships proposed in the Welsh Government’s budget, yet to be ratified by the Welsh Parliament/Senedd Cymru.

The NTFW warns that this will have dire consequences for patient and residential care, estimating that the number of apprenticeship new starts in 2024-‘25 will be halved, impacting the healthcare sector in Wales severely.