Ministers announce funding for thousands of young people and businesses through Jobs Growth Wales

Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, Julie James, has outlined how the Welsh Government’s Jobs Growth Wales programme will secure jobs for 2,900 young people this year across the whole of Wales.

The Deputy Minister was speaking during a visit to IAMP Ltd in Cardiff who employ a trainee web developer through Jobs Growth Wales. This web design and software company  have also recruited three past participants from the programme.

The Welsh Government confirmed today 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 16-24 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.

Indeed eight out of ten young people working in the private sector progress into employment or further learning after completing JGW six month opportunities.

Almost 15,000 young people have found employment opportunities with Jobs Growth Wales since the programme started in 2012.

Business Wales are currently working with the next raft of employers who have registered an interest in the programme.

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.

“Today’s 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.”

Young people keen to register their interest in Jobs Growth Wales should sign up through the Careers Wales Website