Pupils missing out on vital work experience

Welsh Conservatives have once again called for the reinstatement of funding for employer checks to enable young people to go on work experience placements.

It comes as it emerged that young people in parts of North Wales are once again being denied the opportunity to go on work experience because the Welsh Government has cut the funding to Careers Wales for the checks.

Shadow Secretary for Skills & Science, Mohammad Asghar, said:

“Work placements provide young people with invaluable experience, and it is extremely unfortunate that many hundreds of pupils are this year missing out on this vital window into the world of work.

“Ultimately this boils down to a lack of foresight and planning, and the Welsh Government should acknowledge the impact that their decisions are having on many students across Wales.”

It’s not the first time that young people have been forced to miss out on work experience opportunities as a result of Labour’s decision. Youngsters in Conwy were also denied those placements last year, and Darren Millar is calling for the reinstatement of funding for employer checks to enable young people to go on work experience placements.

Shadow Education Secretary, Darren Millar, said:

“The Welsh Labour Government made the decision to cut funding to Careers Wales for employer checks, and as a result hundreds of pupils are missing out.

“Ministers must work with Careers Wales and schools to address this problem at the earliest opportunity.

“Work experience is extremely beneficial to young people because it educates them for the future and helps to develop self-confidence.”