New £1.2m EU project to support ethnic minority and migrant communities

A £1.2m EU-backed project to improve the skills and job prospects of people from ethnic minority and migrant communities has been announced by Finance Secretary, Mark Drakeford.

The Achieving Change through Employment (ACE) project will be supported by £950,000 of EU funds and delivered by the charity, Sova Cymru, over the next three years.

Around 400 people in North, West Wales and the South Wales valleys will benefit from training programmes and opportunities to achieve qualifications and take part in work experience or volunteering.

Mark Drakeford said:

“I’m delighted to announce almost £1m of EU funding for Sova Cymru’s ACE project.  It  will provide important opportunities for many people at risk of exclusion, and will help develop a stronger and more inclusive society in Wales. This is another example of the contribution EU funds are making to enhancing skills and training in Wales, including huge investment in thousands of apprenticeships and traineeships.”

Through one-to-one mentoring and support provided by volunteers recruited and trained from local communities, the ACE project will improve literacy, numeracy and personal skills particularly among people affected by long-term unemployment, low skills, disabilities, and care or childcare responsibilities.

Specialist support with job-seeking and assistance with transport will also be provided through the scheme.

ACE will help more than 100 people into employment, generate around 180 new qualifications, and create almost 100 work experience and volunteering opportunities.

Sova Chief Operating Officer, Sophie Wilson, said:

“Sova is absolutely thrilled to be delivering the Achieving Change through Employment (ACE) project. We know how important it is to provide specialist support to people who face significant barriers to accessing education, training and employment. We believe that given the support, people from ethnic minority and migrant communities in Wales can succeed and thrive, and our team of dedicated staff and volunteers will be on hand to make that happen.”