Business leaders in Caerphilly County Borough have welcomed the return of the Welsh Government’s Jobs Growth Wales scheme.
Last month the programme, which offers 16 to 24-year-olds paid six-month work placements, was thrown into doubt after it was revealed that its European Union funding had run out.
At the time Welsh Government denied the scheme had ended and this month has announced further EU funding for the scheme to continue.
Denise Lovering, Chair of the Caerphilly Business Forum, said: “Several businesses in Caerphilly were able to provide places to help young people who were ready for work, helping them gain experience in the workplace and eventually secure a job.
“There has been a lot of confusion as to whether the funding for Jobs Growth Wales would continue and I’m delighted to see that it has.”
The Welsh Government has said that Jobs Growth Wales has secured EU funds of £25 million from the European Social Fund for a further three years.
During the current financial year the Welsh Government will spend £9.3 million on the programme together with EU funds of £8.3 million.
This flagship Welsh Government programme provides unemployed young people aged 16 to 24 with a job opportunity for six months. It helps employers to expand their business and often enables the young employee to progress into sustained employment.
Almost 15,000 young people have found employment opportunities with Jobs Growth Wales since the programme started in 2012.
Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, Julie James, said: “Jobs Growth Wales has already proved itself to be a huge success and has given thousands of young people across the whole of Wales the support they need to get their first foot on the ladder of a new career. It has also had tremendous support from businesses, large and small across Wales, who have benefited from having access to good quality, job ready young people to support the growth of their company.
“The confirmation of funding illustrates our ongoing commitment to supporting young people into employment and helping businesses to expand right across Wales.”
Finance Minister, Jane Hutt, said: “Nearly £2 billion of EU funds will be invested in Wales over the next seven years to help drive economic growth and jobs.
“Backed by £25 million of EU funds, this significant investment in Jobs Growth Wales is an excellent example of how EU funds are providing vital employment opportunities for thousands of young people across Wales, improving their career prospects and contributing to Wales’ prosperity.”