Concerns Raised Over Apprenticeship Funding Cuts

Myrick Training Services were pleased to support Carpenter & Paterson Ltd of Welshpool on Monday 12th February 2024, during a visit by Russell George MS and Montgomeryshire MP Craig Williams to the factory.

The visit was organised to raise concern to both Russell and Craig of further funding cuts that the Welsh Government are proposing to the apprenticeship budget. In particular, discussions took place on the huge effect further apprenticeship budget cuts proposed by Welsh Government will have during the next financial year that starts 1st August 2024.

Jonathan Lee (MD of Carpenter & Paterson Ltd) and Brendan Murray (Production Manager) explained the company’s strong ongoing track record in supporting the apprenticeship programme at all levels within the company. Both raised concern to Russell and Craig that any cuts to apprenticeship funding would affect the labour requirements for the future of the company’s success, especially now when they are heavily involved in the nuclear sector, citing labour skills that are critical to the company’s future.

Everyone acknowledged that this not only affects Carpenter & Paterson, but all other companies in the area that also offer apprenticeships.

Myrick’s Nick Jones stated that the apprenticeship industry await details from the Welsh Government as regards to the depth of the funding cuts, which could be as deep as 24.5%. This is extremely concerning, and visits such as today’s, by Russell George MS and Craig Williams MP, to Carpenter & Paterson Ltd, are crucial to spotlight the importance of apprenticeships to the success of businesses.

(From left to right):

Leighton Rowlands Jones (first year C&P apprentice, level 2 NPTC), Spencer Roberts (first year C&P apprentice, level 2, Shrewsbury), Craig Williams MP, Calum Greatorex (level 4 NPTC), Nick Jones (Myrick), Russell George MS.

Note that Calum Greatorex recently won apprentice of the year for Skills Academy Wales (SAW) as a level 3 Myrick apprentice. This involved an evening presentation at NPTC group campus in Neath, where he was presented with his award. This recognised extra units that he undertook to support his learning and work at Carpenter and Paterson.

From left to right:

Nick Jones (Myrick), Craig Williams MP, Jonathan Lee (MD, Carpenter & Paterson Ltd), Russell George MS.