The UK Statistics Authority wrote to Julie James MS about Welsh apprenticeships

2 April 2026 · Penny Young, Chair, UK Statistics Authority

The letter, dated 2 April 2026, replies to correspondence of 26 March 2026. The UK Statistics Authority published it as Penny Young to Julie James MS: Welsh apprenticeships. Below is one passage from the letter in the regulator's own words.

What the UK Statistics Authority wrote

“Going forward, I would strongly encourage ministers to be transparent about which measure they are using and why, considering any previous precedents that might influence the understanding of those receiving the statement.”

From Penny Young, Chair, UK Statistics Authority, letter of 2 April 2026. Read the full letter.

The words the letter quotes

The letter quotes 2 passages from the public record:

“The statistics for the target measures use a more rigorous measure of apprenticeship programme starts than other statistics in this output. This measure takes account of early drop outs (within first 8 weeks) and transfers between apprenticeships.”

“The total number of apprenticeships started in the Senedd period crossed 100,000 in January 2026. The number of apprenticeship starts for the more rigorous target measure remained below 100,000.”

Correspondence

• The letter it answered: Julie James MS to Penny Young – Welsh apprenticeships (26 March 2026)

More on Julie James.

Receipt