Finance Minister Jane Hutt has visited Carmarthenshire to meet construction apprentices who have benefitted from Welsh Government and local authority investment.
She was joined by council Leader Cllr Kevin Madge and Chief Executive Mark James for the visit to Y Ffwrnes – a £14.6million theatre and arts development currently under construction as part of a major regeneration scheme in Llanelli.
During the visit the Minister had the chance to meet male and female apprentices who have progressed through a range of schemes created by Constructing Carmarthenshire Together – a partnership of Carmarthenshire County Council, Coleg Sir Gar and Carmarthenshire Construction Training Association Ltd.
The local authority has facilitated a £160million construction investment since 2007, under which the partnership has developed a number of projects tailored to develop opportunities for people regardless of their ability or background. They range from community taster sessions to advanced degree-level schemes for qualified tradesmen looking to move in to managerial positions.
The investment has also allowed local construction companies to expand, secure and develop their workforce.
Jane Hutt said: “Growing the economy and creating jobs is central to everything we do as a Government. Public sector contracts have a key role to play in that. Our Community Benefits approach helps give jobs and training to local people when public money is spent, providing real benefits for the community. The actions taken to support unemployed people and the training provided for apprentices will have a profound effect on their future. This investment will not only rejuvenate Llanelli town centre, but has the added benefit of providing local people with jobs, valuable skills and work experience.”
Cllr Kevin Madge said: “Here in Carmarthenshire we have developed a number of unique schemes to provide a range of opportunities for men and women to train and work in the local construction industry.
“The investment – supported by the Welsh Government – has allowed us to provide employment for hundreds of apprentices who are surpassing the national average in terms of successful completion up to NVQ level 3 and beyond.”
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