Welsh Government
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Almost £1 million to help 16-17 year-olds into work

As part of the Welsh Assembly Government’s Youth Engagement and Employment Action Plan, Education Minister Leighton Andrews yesterday launched a new £900,000 pilot scheme to help young people aged 16 to 17 into employment.

The scheme is part of the Intermediate Labour Market Programme (ILM), and will offer 180 employment opportunities in Communities First areas in parts of South and West Wales, for a six month period.

Funded by the Welsh Assembly Government and European Social Fund, the ILM is provided through the Welsh Council for Voluntary Action and already operates across North Wales. It will now contract organisations in South and West Wales who are able to support and develop young people who are not in employment education or training.

The scheme provides structured, relevant and supported employment to those furthest from the labour market in order to give participants new skills, increased confidence and work experience.

Participating organisations will deliver the structured and relevant supported employment with a view to developing:

  • participant confidence and motivation for work;
  • generic behaviours and skills required by employers;
  • a reference which can be used to assist employment applications;
  • an interest in life long learning including the development of basic skills;
  • people who are workless to actively seek employment;

The outcome for all participants will be progression into either sustained employment or further learning at a higher level.  

Education Minister Leighton Andrews said:

“Our Youth Engagement and Employment Action Plan outlines our approach to preventing children and young people from disengaging from learning and supporting them with entry to the labour market.  

“The Intermediate Labour Market Programme is an excellent example of the Welsh Assembly Government working to provide employment opportunities for young people in Communities First areas who may have disengaged or may not have the skills to enter the labour market without support.

“It is vital that we ensure these young people are equipped with the skills and support they need to secure a satisfying career in the future.”

Social Justice Minister Carl Sargeant said:

“I’m confident that youngsters will reap the benefits of the project, gaining life-long-skills for the workplace and also getting in the habit of regular full-time employment.

“Leaving school with limited qualifications or employment experience can leave young people feeling daunted with no career prospects. By taking part in the project they will gain real work-place experience and skills to make them more attractive to future employers.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for young people in some of Wales most deprived areas to get a head start in life.”

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