We inspect apprenticeship and employability programmes in work-based learning. Read about these below and how they are set up in Wales.
Publication date
Types of work-based learning training programmes
Apprenticeships
Apprentices are employed and work in a wide range of jobs. Apprenticeships are available at level 2, level 3 and higher apprenticeship levels (level 4 and above).
Apprentices enter their training at different levels depending upon the job, their previous experience and the needs of employers. As well as developing their job-related skills in the workplace, apprentices work towards achieving a series of recognised qualifications.
Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16, including those with a disability, health condition or learning difficulty. There is no upper age limit. As apprentices are employed by the organisation in which they work, they must apply when vacancies are advertised like any other job. The employer who advertises the apprenticeship will state the qualifications, skills and experience they require.
Work-based learning monitoring visits September 2021 to July 2022
In the first year of the new contracting period for work-based learning apprenticeship providers, we conducted monitoring visits to each of the lead providers and their sub-contractors.
We focused on the strategic relationships between the lead provider and their sub-contractors and consortia members, as well as the impact of teaching, training, and assessment on the quality of learning and learner progress.
During the monitoring visit, inspectors spoke to learners and staff at all levels. Inspectors visited a sample of sub-contractors, met leaders and spoke to learners. They also reviewed the management and quality assurance of the apprenticeship programme.
We published letters to providers following the visit. These letters gave information about the strategic arrangements with subcontractors and consortia members, the range of apprenticeship provision and outlined some of the learners’ recent experiences.
We also published a national report based on the findings of our visit:
View work-based learning Apprenticeship providers’ information and letters:
Associated Community Training Ltd
Employability programme – Jobs Growth Wales+
Jobs Growth Wales+ youth programme is an individualised training, development and employability support programme for 16 to 18-year-olds living in Wales who are assessed as being not in full-time education, employment or training (NEET). It aims to give young people the skills, qualifications and experience to get a job or further training. It’s a flexible programme which is designed around the young person. The key objectives of the programme are to reduce the number of young people who are NEET and to support young people to make the most of their potential.
Jobs Growth Wales+ is a Welsh Government programme included in the Young Person’s Guarantee (a guaranteed offer of support for under 25-year-olds in Wales to gain a place in education or training, find a job or become self-employed).
From April 2022 – March 2026, the Welsh Government has contracted a network of training providers to deliver this programme across four regional areas, north Wales, south west and mid Wales, south central and south east Wales. Each region comprises of lead contractor providers working with sub-contractor partners to provide integrated programme of learning and/or development.
Working Wales advisers refer young people onto providers of the programme and provide initial assessment of the support needed, identifying the appropriate strands of the programme:
Engagement – This strand helps young people to decide what career path they would like to follow.
Advancement – This strand provides support or programmes offering qualifications to help the young person to progress to further study, training or employment.
Employment – This strand provides subsidised work opportunities for young people.
Young people on the programme, referred to as participants, will have an individual learning plan (ILP). This plan is developed and delivered by providers who will support them to attain the skills, qualifications and experience to progress to learning at a higher level, employment (including self-employment) or an apprenticeship.
Jobs Growth Wales+ regional monitoring visits October 2022 to July 2023
In the first year of the new contracting period for the Jobs Growth Wales+ programme, we’ll conduct monitoring visits to each of the four regions, visiting lead contractor providers and their partners.
During the monitoring visit, inspectors will observe participants in sessions, talk to them and review their individual learning plans and key documents. Inspectors will observe tutors and meet with leaders across the organisations delivering the programme in each region.
We will meet key staff from Working Wales and other education partnership coordinators to review the referrals process. Inspectors will also review the quality and appropriateness of the accommodation and resources for the programme.
Inspectors will verbally feedback key findings to the providers in the region on the last day of the visit and we will publish regional reports following the visits.
We've published a national report based on the findings of our visits.
North Wales region
South Central Wales region
South East Wales region
South West and Mid Wales region
Estyn post-16 publications
Our vision is to improve the quality of education and training and outcomes for all learners in Wales.
Our mission is to support education and training providers to develop a self-improving and learning culture through our advice, inspection and capacity building.
Part of Inspection process