TRAINING places for NHS staff will be increased following an £80 million investment from the Welsh Government.
The health and social services minister, Mark Drakeford, announced the number of places will increase by 16 per cent next year.
The number of nurses being trained in 2015-16 will increase by more than a fifth (22 per cent), while the number of paramedic places available will increase by 161 per cent compared to the 2014-15 academic year.
Education for other healthcare professionals including physiotherapists and occupational therapists will be supported by the investment.
The number of training places funded is based on plans developed by health boards and NHS trusts in Wales and has been discussed with healthcare unions and representatives.
Welsh Government investment in health professional education exceeds £350m every year, supporting 15,000-plus students and trainees in Wales.
The £80m for the 2015-16 academic year will support 2,498 new students to undertake an education programme and continue the education of 6,881 students in training.
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