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Communities Minister Lesley Griffiths has announced over £11.2 million to reduce the number of young people who are are not in education, employment or training (NEET) in Wales. 

The latest NEET statistics were published after her announcement later in the day yesterday.

Backed by £6.8 million of EU funds and supported by Jobcentre Plus, the project will help 6,000 people aged 16–24 in Wales’ most disadvantaged communities, supporting 1,500 young people into work.

Youth mentors and Job Centre Plus specialist employment advisors based in Wales’ 52 Communities First areas will provide intensive, one-to-one guidance to help young people access education, training and employment.  The project will support them to overcome the challenges they are facing – such as a lack of confidence, skills or experience – and help with the costs which may be a barrier to getting a job, such as the travel costs of attending an interview or buying suitable clothing.

The project is the second phase of the Communities for Work programme, which will support over 42,000 people in total over the next three years and help 8,000 people into employment. The announcement brings the total investment in this ambitious scheme to over £41 million.

Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty, Lesley Griffiths, said yesterday:

“We want young people in Wales to have the skills they need and the opportunity to reach their full potential. This is why reducing the number of young people who are not in education, employment or training is one of our key priorities.

“The funding I have announced today will have a life-changing impact on thousands of young people here in Wales. The intensive one-to-one support from experienced mentors will give 16-24 year olds the confidence, skills and advice they need to re-enter education, undertake training or secure a job.

“This takes the total investment in Communities for Work to over £41 million. I am confident this ambitious programme, based in the heart of our communities, will not only turn around the life chances of many people across Wales, but also help us build a stronger, more resilient workforce for the future.”

Minister for Finance and Government Business, Jane Hutt, said:

“I am delighted that EU funds are helping our young people gain skills and training to succeed in the workplace. This is another positive example of how EU funds are benefiting Wales.”

Martin Brown, Jobcentre Plus Work Services Director Wales said:

“Having Jobcentre Plus advisers working as part of Communities First teams will allow us to help people understand the opportunities that exist in the labour market, the requirements of employers and to support people to access appropriate support and training to improve their prospects of securing a job. This is a great example of DWP and Welsh Government working together to achieve our shared ambition of increasing employment rates.”

The first £30 million phase of Communities for Work, which focusses on helping long-term unemployed people aged over 25 into work, started in May this year. The programme at this early stage has already helped over 1193 people and supported 55 people into work.