Over 48,500 young people across Wales have been helped through
employability and skills programmes since the launch of a key
Welsh Government commitment.
The Young Person's Guarantee helps 16–24-year-olds by bringing
together a variety of programmes to provide the right support at
the right time – whether they are looking to enhance their
skills, start a business, find employment or continue in
education.
Speaking in the Senedd today, the Minister for Culture, Skills
and Social Partnership, , will say the programme is
not just delivering for the young people of today, but inspiring
the young people of tomorrow and laying the foundations for the
generations to come.
Among those to have benefitted since its launch in November 2021
is a former shy school leaver who is now on track to achieve her
dream of becoming a teacher.
19-year-old Ebony Riordan from Holywell transformed her career
prospects by undertaking work-based learning after completing her
GCSEs.
Through one of the support streams offered under the Young
Person's Guarantee, Jobs Growth Wales+, she gained valuable
experience as a teaching assistant at her former school, Ysgol
Maesglas, while earning teaching qualifications.
Starting with Sport Coaching qualifications, Ebony progressed to
complete both a Foundation Apprenticeship and a higher-level
apprenticeship in Specialist Support Teaching and Learning.
Her success in these roles, including contributing to lesson
planning and supporting children with core subjects, led to her
securing a place at Bangor University where she is now in the
first year of her degree course.
Reflecting on her experience, Ebony said:
“I always wanted to work in a school, but I had no previous
experience, so I learned on the job straight away. I found it
much better that way rather than taking the academic route first,
as it allowed me to see if I liked the work before making a
career commitment.
“I would say to anybody finding themselves in a similar position
to me to research and consider all the options available and find
what's best for you. I was lucky that my mum found the
opportunity for me, so don't be afraid to seek help.”
Skills Minister, , added:
"Ebony's journey shows the power of vocational training. As
someone who started their career as an apprentice, I know
firsthand the life-changing impact of having the right support at
the right time.
“The Young Person's Guarantee is delivering real results for
young people across Wales, helping them navigate the challenges
of the post-pandemic environment and cost-of-living pressures.
"We want to ensure at least 90% of 16–24-year-olds are in
education, employment or training by 2050, so I'm very proud that
day-in-day-out, we're seeing young people transform their lives
and build exciting careers."
