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

The Welsh Government should ensure all young people aged between 14 and 18 are offered a meaningful work experience placement, a report has said.

The Transitions to Employment report, which was compiled by Caerphilly’s Labour Senedd Member Hefin David and his staff, looks into how students are supported during the transition from education to employment.

The report, which was commissioned by the Welsh Government, looks at the fragmented nature of the education sector and provides a list of recommendations for the Welsh Government to make improvements.

As part of the research into the report, Dr David and his staff interviewed a number of stakeholders across secondary, tertiary and higher education sectors, as well as employers and trade unions.

Dr David said: “The aim is to create a seamless experience for learners, as they move through their educational career and in to the world of work.

“I am cautiously optimistic that this can happen, but it will require a much more collaborative approach across the secondary and tertiary sectors than have historically been the case.”

Dr David said he hoped to see the report as a “useful guide for Ministers when considering how best to support young people in Wales”.

The report was welcomed by Wales’ education minister, Jeremy Miles, who said it would be used to “extend the evidence base” as education and skills policy is developed by the Welsh Government.

Speaking in the Senedd, Mr Miles said: “The report has identified a number of themes that are of key importance in what we look at when we deliver education in Wales; what we deliver and how well it prepares learners to move on to the next stage, whatever that may be.”

Some of the recommendations made in the report are already underway, with half a million pounds of funding going towards a tailored work experience scheme for students who are disengaging with their education.