THE Member of the Senedd (MS) for Clwyd South has praised a Welsh Government apprenticeship scheme after figures showed it created more than 2,500 jobs for his constituents.

Ken Skates MS welcomed the news, which came as a result of a 2016 Welsh Labour manifesto pledge to create 100,000 apprenticeships for people of all ages.

A breakdown of the data shows 895 healthcare and public services roles were taken up by people in Clwyd South, as well as 380 in business administration and 300 in construction.

In addition, 275 jobs were created in engineering, 125 in manufacturing and 115 in hospitality.

Mr Skates says the scheme has provided vital opportunities for people in his constituency.

He said: “In 2016, we promised to create 100,000 new high-quality, all-age apprenticeships.

“We have exceeded this flagship commitment, providing vital opportunities for women, men and young people throughout Wales and helping people of all ages to learn new skills while earning a wage.

“It’s fantastic to see the benefits of this ambitious programme locally, with a total of 2,605 people in Clwyd South being given a high-quality employment opportunity.”

The rest of the opportunities were created in agriculture (20); hair and beauty (70); leisure, sports and travel (105); management and professional (200); manufacturing (125); retailing and customer services (115) and transportation (five).

Mr Skates added: “This programme is a huge success story, and it’s particularly pleasing to see so many people in Clwyd South gaining employment in sectors which are so crucial to our area and its local economy.

“I’m extremely proud that the Welsh Government has delivered on this promise and that it has had such a tangible benefit in our part of North Wales.”

The Welsh Government data also show a further 2,490 apprentices were taken on in Wrexham as a result of the programme.