Welsh Labour politicians welcome new ‘life changing’ jobs scheme for young people

Labour’s Senedd members for Mid and West Wales, Joyce Watson and Eluned Morgan, have welcomed the announcement of a new programme to help 16-18 year olds in Wales reach their full potential and take their first steps into the world of work.

The Welsh Government’s innovative Jobs Growth Wales+ programme will aim to create life changing opportunities for those who are not in education, employment, or training. It will be a cornerstone of Welsh Labour’s Young Person’s Guarantee, which is designed to ensure there will be no Covid ‘lost generation’.

Welcoming the announcement, Joyce Watson MS said:

“At the Senedd election in May I stood on a platform that promised no young person would be left behind because of the pandemic. I am proud that the Welsh Labour Government is already taking steps to turn that commitment into reality.”

Eluned Morgan MS added:

“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, incorporating 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.