The first job of its kind in the world, the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales’ role is described as the guardian of the interests of future generations. This means helping public bodies and those who make policy in Wales to think about the long-term impact of their decisions.
To kick off Apprenticeship Week, Commissioner Sophie Howe explains how apprenticeships and the development of future skills, will not only affect individual members of Wales’ future workforce, but shape the entire learning and skills future landscape in Wales, including qualifications.
Sophie said: “As a mother of five children, I have a good insight into the various stages of the education system, and when my 16-year-old came to me asking for advice on his next steps, I actively encouraged him to explore the apprenticeship route. He’s really interested in the creative industries and what better way for him to become qualified and start his career in special effects, than to get stuck in.
"We need to be aware of what apprenticeships are available in Wales. Apprenticeships have moved on and can open doors in all sectors from special effects and visual merchandising to aeronautical engineering and coding. These are the industries of the future and it’s up to us as parents to understand how skills demands are changing, and how we need to move with the times.
"The way we’re working throughout Wales, across the border and worldwide is changing and we have to adapt. I truly believe that to reach one of the goals set out in the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act - to be a ‘prosperous’ Wales - then the development of a wide range of high-quality skills is paramount.
"Rapid advancements in digital technology provide advantages and disadvantages. Where many job roles will be at risk of automation, comes a whole host of new roles that we’ve never had before. So, it’s important that we hone the skills and attributes that robots don’t have, the softer, more tangible skills.
"Skills such as emotional intelligence, critical thinking, problem solving and creativity, all centring around people, reflect the apprenticeship style of learning and gaining qualifications. Apprenticeships provide the freedom to learn from real people doing real jobs, offering the best of both worlds – the ability to bounce ideas off people who already work in the industry in an informal capacity, coupled with expert training providers in a college setting. It’s the development of these softer people skills that will make an apprentice untouchable as we move more and more into the technological future.
"Apprenticeships are something I talk about quite often in my day-to day role but what I love about Apprenticeship Week is that we get to see the human and business success stories behind the stats and levy discussions. We hear about talented apprentices who are either at the start of their careers or developing new skills, and their passion for learning really comes through as they progress in their chosen career. We also get to see how businesses throughout Wales are reaping the rewards and creating a pipeline of future talent through apprenticeships.
“For an individual, it’s a two-way skills swap. One of the apprentices in my team, Hollie Leslie, has just completed her Level 4 apprenticeship in advertising and marketing, and she’s teaching us so much as a digital native. At 22 years old, she interacts with people from a range of backgrounds, skill sets and ages, and helps me as the Commissioner provide a true representation of the country. Interactions like these encouraged me to launch my Future Leadership Academy, where reverse mentoring plays a key role.
"For Hollie, her confidence and problem-solving skills have really developed. She even said to me, ‘I have responsibilities in life and have to grow up to make sure I manage my time and money as well as do my job to the best of my ability’.
"Businesses need to plan now for the future. Change is not scary - it’s vital. Through my role, I encourage everyone to put in place today, what will benefit us all tomorrow. Apprenticeships, by their very nature, have to be on the pulse and pass on skills that will be needed in the market. That’s the type of workforce I want to be a part of, comprising the clever, savvy, highly-skilled go-getters of the future.”
The Apprenticeship Programme in Wales is funded by the Welsh Government with support from the European Social Fund.
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