Latest findings from the UK Commission’s Employer Skills Survey have shown that while job vacancies in Wales have increased by 14 per cent over the last two years, a shortage in skills remains a key issue for employers in Wales and indeed, across the rest of the UK.

Apprenticeships are a cost-effective solution for up-skilling and maintaining workforce skills in any industry, and in light of these continued shortages, are important for ensuring that companies are developed in a way that suits their business needs.

We’re looking forward to being part of next month’s SkillsCymru event, which will take place at Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena on October 22 and 23.

Supported by both the Welsh Government and Careers Wales, the event is set to provide an opportunity to highlight the benefits of work-based learning and apprenticeships - not just to learners but also employers and schools

It will bring together a cross section of organisations to demonstrate the wide range of career choices, as well as both academic and vocational learning and training opportunities open to people; and provide key information on the skills potential employers require for success.

The last event of this kind took place in 2010 at the Millennium Stadium, attracting over 20,000 visitors and we will this year be attending alongside other exhibitors including the Army, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, The Prince’s Trust, NHS, The BBC Wales, and Admiral.

As the economy continues to improve, there is a real priority for businesses to look at their skillset and see investment in skills as an absolute priority, both to

Anyone who is interested in finding out more about Acorn’s apprenticeship schemes should visit www.acorn.co.uk .