As 2015 comes to a close, it’s with anticipated excitement we wonder what 2016 will bring.

The next 12 months are set to be crucial, as the results of the UK-wide Apprenticeship Levy ramp up and the Welsh Assembly election takes place, and I’m therefore particularly interested to see how these two separate developments will support businesses through work-based learning.

From an Acorn point of view, we celebrated a number of UK firsts in 2015; our apprentices from Principality Building Society were the first to achieve the Higher Apprenticeship in Banking at Level 4 in the UK, we achieved the first Higher Apprenticeship in Insurance Level 4 in the UK and, in partnership with nearby Cardiff Metropolitan University, we delivered the first Foundation Degree in Applied Professional Practice (FdA) to five senior managers who therefore achieved the first work-based learning degree franchised to an Independent Provider in Wales.

The plan for 2016 is no different; we want to design and deliver training opportunities bespoke to employers’ needs, to achieve effective results and support the growth of our customers. We’re already planning to launch new apprenticeships in a number of key sectors, and are kicking off the year by introducing a new Higher Apprenticeship in Project Management in partnership with Cardiff Metropolitan School of Management.

So, what’s your training plan for 2016?

Businesses are extremely lucky to have such a strong backing from the Welsh Government as many Apprenticeships for both existing employees and new recruits can attract funding to support the cost of delivery subject to eligibility. Whilst evaluating your training needs, make sure you’re aware of the funding available to your business and employees. You can find further information on eligibility via the Welsh Government website under their Education and Skills section.

In Wales, creating and nurturing a highly-skilled workforce is vital to future economic growth with a recent report projecting that employment within Wales is to grow by 0.4 per cent per annum between 2012 and 2022 as a direct result of Apprenticeships. Could 2016 be the year of Apprenticeships for your business? I hope so.