James Evans MS has reiterated his support for apprenticeship schemes to mark National Apprenticeship Week for 2025.

Yesterday in the Senedd, in an exchange with Jack Sergeant MS, the Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership, Mr Evans highlighted the work of Mid Wales business Kiernan Structural Steel and its role in attracting apprentices from rural communities – but how they are also having difficulty with the apprentice levy set by the UK Government.

Mr Evans extended an invitation to the Minister to visit Kiernan Structural Steel in Llandrindod Wells and discuss those problems directly with them to help inform future Government policy.

Mr Evans, MS for Brecon and Radnorshire said: “Learning skills via an apprenticeship, to me, holds the same weight as a university degree – if not more. This is why I am once again proud to throw my support behind National Apprenticeship week for 2025.

“Local companies across Mid Wales, such as Kiernan Structural Steel, are doing some fantastic work in attracting young people into the industry through apprenticeship schemes – allowing them to learn skills that will not only be valuable to them throughout their career, but their whole lives.

“I am looking forward to hearing back from the Minister on him visiting our constituency and seeing first-hand how vital these training courses are to young people right across the region.”