Cymraeg
NEWS

Published:

01.09.26

New qualifications for apprentices to open more routes into Wales’ construction workforce

Qualifications Wales is providing the latest update to learning centres, employers and industry partners on new construction and building services engineering qualifications which have been approved for use on apprenticeship frameworks.

The newly approved qualifications have been developed by awarding bodies for use within new and updated apprenticeship frameworks. Qualifications Wales has reviewed and approved the qualifications, helping to ensure they are suitable for learners, employers and learning providers across Wales.

New level 2 qualifications for work-based learners in bricklaying and site carpentry, developed by City & Guilds, open for registration from 1 September 2026 and are included within new foundation apprenticeship pathways in these occupations which have been issued by Medr. Existing level 3 bricklaying and site carpentry qualifications will remain open for registration until 31 October 2026, giving centres time to manage the transition.

Qualifications Wales has also approved a new level 3 floorcovering qualification developed by City & Guilds and a new level 3 refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pumps qualification developed by EAL. These qualifications are also available within new apprenticeship frameworks which have been issued by Medr. Further new and forthcoming routes include level 2 qualifications in scaffolding and building improvement operations, and level 3 craft routes in bricklaying and site carpentry to enable progression in these occupations. 

Dean Seabrook, Senior Qualifications Manager at Qualifications Wales, said: “These changes are about diversifying routes into skilled construction and building services careers and helping Wales' construction sector plan for the future. By approving qualifications that support new apprenticeship pathways, we can help promote quality, sustainability and confidence across the system.

“For centres, the priority is clarity. We are working with Medr, the Welsh Government and awarding bodies so that learning providers have the information they need, when they need it, so they can plan delivery, support learners and manage the move from existing qualifications to new routes smoothly.”

Further information for centres, including key dates, qualification references and links to framework documents, is available below.

 

Construction and building services engineering apprenticeships: information for centres

These FAQs give centres the key operational information they need to plan for using new qualifications in construction and building services engineering as part of updated apprenticeship pathways.

FAQs

Changes are being made to the range of qualifications for apprenticeships in construction and building services engineering during 2026 and 2027. Eight new integrated qualifications will be made available, including for use on new foundation apprenticeship pathways. A Welsh Government and Medr announcement provides further background on the changes.

New foundation apprenticeships in bricklaying and site carpentry are now available. The apprenticeship pathways have been issued by Medr and are listed in the apprenticeship framework library.

The new integrated City & Guilds Construction (Level 2) qualifications in bricklaying and site carpentry will be available for registration from 1 September 2026.

The new qualifications are C00/5420/3 City & Guilds Construction (Level 2) – Bricklaying and C00/5389/3 City & Guilds Construction (Level 2) – Site Carpentry.

The existing integrated level 3 qualifications in bricklaying and site carpentry will remain open for learner registration until 31 October 2026. These are C00/4169/3 City & Guilds Construction (Level 3) – Bricklaying and C00/4283/1 City & Guilds Construction (Level 3) – Site Carpentry.

Learners who are registered by this date will be able to complete their qualifications, without interruption, until 31 August 2030. After this date, there will be no further opportunities for certification. 

Yes. New level 3 qualifications in craft bricklaying and craft site carpentry are due to be introduced in September 2027 for use on apprenticeship frameworks. These will provide progression opportunities for learners who successfully complete the new foundation apprenticeships in these occupations.

A new integrated qualification for use on a foundation apprenticeship in scaffolding is in development. Medr, Qualifications Wales and City & Guilds are working with industry stakeholders on the qualification and apprenticeship framework. The qualification is expected to be available to learners in autumn 2026.

A new integrated qualification for use on a foundation apprenticeship in building improvement operations is being developed by Agored Cymru. The new qualification and apprenticeship will be made available in 2027. 

The new C00/5289/3 City & Guilds Construction (Level 3) – Floorcovering qualification is available for registration and included within a new apprenticeship framework issued by Medr. The qualification has been designed to reflect changes to national standards and provide flexibility for learners.

The new C00/5331/4 EAL Building Services Engineering (Level 3) – Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps qualification will be available for registration from 1 September 2026 and included within a new apprenticeship framework issued by Medr. The qualification has been designed to be up to date and to give learners and providers flexibility to engage with heat pumps in this occupational area.

Centres should sign up for the Skills for Wales newsletter to receive updates, including information about qualification documents, sample assessment materials and support from awarding bodies. Further updates will also be provided on the Qualifications Wales website.


Key documents and links: