More than 5,750 unemployed youngsters found work through the Welsh Government’s Jobs Growth Wales scheme in 2014, latest figures have revealed.
During the past 12 months 5,759 job opportunities were filled by the programme, which pays employees’ wages for six months.
Since it began in 2012, 16,775 job opportunities have been created with just over 13,900 posts filled.
The latest figures, published on the Welsh Government’s website, show that 83% of young people working in the private sector on the scheme have progressed into permanent employment or further learning after completing their six months.
The scheme is open to unemployed people aged between 16 and 24.
December’s statistics show that in the last month this European Social Fund-backed programme offered job opportunities to 463 job hunters.
Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, Julie James AM, welcomed the figures and said: “As we look back at 2014 I’m very proud that thanks to Jobs Growth Wales over 5,750 young people in Wales have had the opportunity to start a career. And every successful placement helps a business to expand, illustrating the Welsh Government’s ongoing commitment to supporting business.”
She added: “Jobs Growth Wales is playing a big part in helping our young people into paid, meaningful work.”
Meanwhile, latest data for the self-employment strand of Jobs Growth Wales – where young people receive a young entrepreneurs’ bursary – shows that 412 new businesses were created since the programme began in April 2012.