A £75 million Welsh Government programme to get jobless young people into quality employment has beaten its target by nearly 50%.
Launched in April 2012, Jobs Growth Wales pays the wages for new employees for up to six months with a view that a company will then take them on permanently.
The original target was to create 4,000 opportunities each year for three years, but in its first year the scheme has created almost 6,000 new job opportunities for people aged between 16 and 24.
Jeff Cuthbert Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, and Caerphilly’s AM, said: “It’s very encouraging that Jobs Growth Wales is playing such a positive role in giving young people valuable career opportunities and helping companies to grow.
“Early data indicates that those completing the full six-month opportunity have an extremely high chance of sustaining employment. The number of progressions onto apprenticeships is also very promising.
“Reducing youth unemployment is one of the Welsh Government’s top priorities and Jobs Growth Wales is playing a major part in this.”
Excellent work. And to think Jeff used to have other things on his mind… a long time ago…