Medr/2026/44: Apprenticeship Programme in Wales: grant application

Summary

This document provides information for organisations wishing to apply for the new Apprenticeship Programme grant in Wales, to commence August 2027.

It sets out the programme requirements, application process and assessment arrangements.

Initial grant awards will be for a period of four years.

Purpose of new apprenticeship programme

The purpose of the Apprenticeship Programme is to secure high-quality apprenticeship provision that meets the current and future needs of learners, employers and the Welsh economy.

The programme has been designed to support providers that can demonstrate the organisational capability, leadership, financial resilience and delivery capacity necessary to operate as strategic partners within Wales’ tertiary education system.

Design principles

The design of the Apprenticeship Programme has been informed by extensive engagement with stakeholders and lessons learned from previous apprenticeship commissioning arrangements.

Several key principles have informed the development of the programme:

• All-age programme (16 years old and above)
• Delivers high-quality apprenticeships from level 2 to level 6
• Responds to changing skills demands across the economy and regional skills needs
• Responds to the Welsh Government’s skills priorities, including responding to changing technologies and green skills
• Meets the needs of learners and supports their progression through the tertiary education system and into and throughout their chosen career
• Is agile and responsive, ensuring the right qualifications and skills are delivered to meet the needs of employers, learners and the economy
• Delivers inclusive apprenticeships which are accessible for learners from a range of backgrounds and with protected characteristics and socio-economic disadvantage
• Increases opportunities for all apprentices to develop, maintain and use their Welsh language skills throughout their training and employment, equipping them to contribute to an increasingly bilingual workforce
• Offers high-quality provision which strengthens outcomes and attainment of learners.

How to apply

The grant-funded Apprenticeship Programme is structured around three delivery strands:

• Strand 1 – Core Apprenticeship Programme – delivery of frameworks leading to regulated qualifications at levels 2-5. 
• Strand 2 – Degree Apprenticeship Programme – delivery of frameworks leading to degrees at level 6 awarded by universities.
• Strand 3 – Supported Apprenticeship Programme (Supported Apprenticeships provide enhanced support for apprentices with complex employment and learning needs, enabling them to successfully complete their apprenticeship.)

Providers will need to apply separately for each of the three strands of the programme.

Please complete all relevant questions in the grant application form at Annex A.

Applications may be submitted by organisations that can demonstrate the legal, financial, governance and operational capability required to deliver apprenticeship provision within Wales.

Eligible organisations may include:

• Further education institutions (Strand 1 and 3)
• Higher education institutions (Strand 1 and 2)
• Independent training providers (Strand 1 and 3)
• Charitable and not-for-profit organisations (Strand 1 and 3)
• Public Sector Organisations (Strand 1 and 3)
• Collaborative partnerships and consortia (Strand 1 and 3)

Deadline and more information

The deadlines for applications are:

• Stage 1 – 02 October 2026
• Stage 2 – 31 December 2026

An information online event will take place at 11:00 on 8 September 2026 for potential providers that are interested in submitting an application to deliver the Apprenticeship Programme in Wales. This can be booked via Eventbrite.