Work is underway to develop and offer Degree apprenticeships in construction in Wales by the autumn of 2024.
This work will support Welsh Government’s commitment to achieve net-zero across the Welsh built environment by developing higher skills that support net-zero retrofit of existing buildings and new build solutions.
Thanks to a partnership between Welsh Government, HEFCW, the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and three Welsh universities, the first cohort of students could be starting their courses as early as September 2024.
University of South Wales (USW), University of Wales Trinity St David’s and Wrexham Glyndwr University accepted the invitation by the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW) to offer the degree programmes.
The new degree apprenticeships being created under the project would subject to external consultation with industry, include civil engineering, quantity and/or building surveying, building control and construction management.
The aim of the project is to target underrepresented groups in construction and to ensure graduates have the knowledge and skills needed by employers.
Like traditional apprenticeships, degree apprenticeships allow students to combine work with part-time study. The main difference is that students will achieve practical experience as well as the higher-level knowledge that comes with a degree qualification.
Under the plans, the degree apprenticeships would be fully funded by the Welsh Government, after it agreed to include construction as a priority sector.
Although the degree apprenticeships are expected to last up to four years, prior learning such as a HND qualification could reduce course length.
An overarching steering committee will be formed for the development of the construction degree apprenticeships, with involvement from key industry bodies and employers.
Professional institutions will be included in discussions to ensure that graduates of the degree apprenticeship programmes can achieve full professional status within those institutions.
The Pathways which are being developed include Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Surveying, Design and Possibly Building Control.
CITB Engagement Director for Wales, Julia Stevens, said: “We are delighted to be working closely with Welsh Government and the universities to offer degree apprenticeships that will help raise standards in the construction industry.
“The level of knowledge and skills gained will enable graduates to help us meet the huge challenges facing the industry.”
