THE Welsh Government and EU is to fund more than 50,000 apprenticeships in Wales.

The £144 million EU and Welsh Government investment will be announced by the First Minister, Carwyn Jones, later today.

The investment will fund 52,000 apprenticeships in West Wales and the Valleys over the next four years, with the majority of places targeted at 16-24 year olds.

Apprenticeships in Wales allow people to earn a wage and develop their skills with an employer while also accessing formal training from one of an approved network of providers.

The confirmation of £73m in EU funding this week along with substantial Welsh Government investment will cover a range of traditional and non-traditional areas including construction, engineering, IT and retail.  Each apprentice will have the opportunity to study qualifications from foundation level to advanced level.

The First Minister will make the announcement at the Wales Forum on Europe event in Cardiff which is aimed at raising awareness of the benefits of EU membership, including the EU’s new Investment Package for jobs and growth.

Further funding for apprenticeships is expected to be announced over the coming weeks.

The First Minister said: “This substantial investment will support over 50,000 young people in their career progression, helping them achieve advanced qualifications while working and earning at the same time.

“We expect to announce further investment in other aspects of our apprenticeships programme in the coming weeks but this initial funding for West Wales and the Valleys is excellent news, and demonstrates our commitment to boosting the economy while ensuring our young people have the skills they need to succeed.”

Finance and Government Business Minister, Jane Hutt, said: ”Over £2 billion of EU funds will be invested in Wales over the next five years to support and underpin sustainable economic growth and jobs.

“Backed by £73 million of EU funds, this significant investment in apprenticeships is an excellent example of how EU funds are increasing skills within the Welsh economy and improving the career and earning prospects of thousands of people in Wales.”