Mike Hedges MS welcomes new jobs programme to create life changing opportunities for 16-18 year olds in Wales

Mike Hedges MS welcomes new jobs programme to create life changing opportunities for 16-18 year olds in Wales

Member of the Senedd for Swansea East, Mike Hedges, has welcomed the launch of the Welsh Labour Government’s new flexible programme focused on helping young people aged 16-18 to reach their full potential and take their first steps into the world of work.

The innovative Jobs Growth Wales+ programme will aim to create life changing opportunities for those who are not in education, employment, or training. It will also become a fundamental element of the Welsh Labour Government’s Young Person’s Guarantee, which is designed to ensure there will be no lost generation in Wales as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Welcoming the announcement, Member of the Senedd for Swansea East, Mike Hedges, said:

“At the Senedd election in May I stood on a platform that promised to ensure that no young person would be left behind as a result of the pandemic, so I’m really pleased that our Welsh Labour Government is already taking steps to turn this key commitment into reality.

“The Jobs Growth Wales+ programme is a fundamental part of the Young Person’s Guarantee. This programme will give young people the skills and confidence to overcome barriers and fulfil their potential, providing them with the support they need for a brighter future.”

Jobs Growth Wales+ will provide an individualised package of support, and incorporate the best elements of existing legacy Jobs Growth Wales and Traineeships programmes which have proved very successful.

The programme, which will launch in 2022, will support those aged 16-18 by offering impartial and in-depth careers advice and guidance following a robust assessment of their individual needs via the Working Wales service.

Young people will have access to mentoring, advice, training, and education so that they are empowered to make informed choices to find and secure training, fair work or start a business. This includes tailored job opportunities which will be subsidised at 50% of national minimum wage.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

The Welsh Government has confirmed that the procurement process for Jobs Growth Wales+ has now been completed and award letters have been issued to the successful contractors.