A programme that provides young people the skills, qualifications
and experience they need to get a job, continue their training or
return to education is to receive an extra £2.5m in funding.
Jobs Growth Wales+ offers 16–19-year-olds access to advice,
training and education so that they are empowered to make
informed choices to find and secure training, fair work or start
a business.
Young people get tailored support to boost their confidence,
ensuring they have all they need to access opportunities –
including flexible training hours, as well as help with travel,
childcare costs and specialised equipment.
On-the-job training is also available, allowing them the chance
to get their foot in the door and have a taste of work that might
interest them – with the Welsh Government offering wage subsidies
of up to 50% of the first six months’ wages.
Extra funding has been announced in response to the high demand
for the popular new programme which launched in 2022.
Visiting a Jobs Growth Wales Plus (JGW+) work-based learning
provider – Itec – at their skills and employment facility in
Cwmbran, the Economy Minister announced £2.5m of EU funding will
help to increase provision across Wales for the remainder of the
financial year.
Teagon Mallon has already received support and said:
“Itec is an incredible and safe place for young people to go for
help, I met some amazing people who supported each other to grow
in many ways.
“Itec is always looking for new fun things to do with students
and offer you many opportunities to do things you never thought
you would enjoy. They helped me get into a position and job that
I absolutely adore.”
Jobs Growth Wales+ is a key element of the Welsh Government’s
Young Person’s Guarantee.
The Guarantee aims to provide people between 16-24 in Wales with
an offer of support to gain a place in education or training,
find a job or become self-employed.
Economy Minister, said:
“It’s been wonderful to meet young people here today who are
grasping the opportunities our Jobs Growth Wales+ programme
offers them with both hands.
“The Welsh Government is serious about investing in young people
and their skills to help them plan more ambitious futures in
Wales. Young people have faced real adversity in recent years and
while the Welsh Government budget is under huge pressure, this
extra funding demonstrates how we are maximising what we can do
with the money we have.
“With help to access the right opportunities at the right time,
we are helping young people who would otherwise be held back have
more power over their future. I’m delighted our Jobs Growth
Wales+ programme has proved so popular, and that we are able to
invest more with the remaining EU funds we can draw on so that
more young people can overcome barriers and build brighter
futures.”
