Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

A new Welsh Government work experience scheme is set to be expanded to support up to 500 teenagers.

The £500,000 scheme, for those aged between 14 and 16, will provide work experience placements in a sector they are interested in.

Advisers from Careers Wales will work with schools and employers across Wales to match up to 500 Year 10 and 11 pupils with a placement.

However, these pupils will still be required to study for their core GCSE subjects as part of the scheme, while attending their work experience placement once or twice a week.

It comes after a pilot scheme saw 100 pupils in Year 10 offered placements.

Education minister Jeremy Miles said: “Giving a real-life insight into the world of work through work experience is known to boost the career prospects of young people.

“I am determined to ensure young people have the aspiration, self confidence and opportunities they need to get on in life.”

Caerphilly’s Labour Senedd Member, Hefin David, welcomed the expansion of the “extremely important” scheme.

Dr David spoke of work he has done recently, commissioned by the education minister, in which he found “it was clear that those opportunities to access practical work experience are vital in supporting learners in to work”.

He continued: “Unfortunately, due to funding and other restrictions these haven’t been as readily available over recent years and schools just haven’t had the time and resources to do this for each pupil.

“We must remember that vocational and academic learning are equal in value.

“To hear that Careers Wales will be picking this up with learners at risk of leaving education is brilliant news and definitely a step in the right direction.”