Cyfle Building Skills has been at the heart of construction training and employment in South West Wales. Their Shared Apprentice Scheme has been running since 2013 and has grown into the largest Shared Apprentice Scheme in the UK. In 2020, they received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Promoting Opportunity through Social Mobility and in September 2025, they proudly celebrated supporting their 1000th apprentice.
Project outline
Cyfle Building Skills secured Foundational Economy funding in September 2023 for a project that aimed to help create a pipeline of future talent of green skills, encouraging and promoting new green technology opportunities for electrical and plumbing employers to deliver Net Zero/Low Carbon Work Experience activities for young people across the South West Wales Region. The project had a specific focus on engaging young people who were far from the employment market.
Positive outcomes
Interest in the Cyfle Work Experience Scheme was apparent from the start, with over 200 applications received. With funding, Cyfle were able to take on 120 electrical and plumbing learners with hands-on, low carbon training placements, supported by 60 engaged employers.
The training was tailored to address specific skills gaps and trainees were able to quickly contribute to live projects and gain experience. All participants completed a comprehensive programme including onsite placements, mentoring, and employability workshops.
After completing the scheme, 89% of participants secured apprenticeship or employment opportunities. Cyfle also employed two new members of staff to assist with project management and retained them after funding ended.
The project increased workforce capacity, improved project delivery for employers, and promoted net zero awareness and carbon literacy among young people. One candidate received a Youthbuild Award in London in 2024 for outstanding achievement.
Looking ahead
Cyfle aims to expand its impact by training even more apprentices and further supporting the construction industry and Wales’ net zero ambitions.
“The Foundational Economy grant, which supported work experience opportunities for young people, has enabled Cyfle to expand the scheme across the Region, supported by Clients, Colleges and SME Contractors.”
