Council project supports more than 300 young people into employment, education and training

A project run by Neath Port Talbot Council’s Youth Service has supported more than 300 young people to help get access to either employment, full-time education or training.

The project, known as Cam Nesa, worked specifically with young people between the ages of 16 and 24 who were disengaged from the job market and were not in employment, education or training (NEET).

Youth Workers employed by the project provided tailored support for the young people such as helping them with job searching, CV writing, interview techniques and completing job applications. Plus, they would provide advice and guidance when needed, including signposting them to specialist support services.

Since the project was launched in 2018, it supported 243 young people into employment and 58 into education or training.

One young person from Neath Port Talbot who received support through the project said: “I’m really grateful for the support and help that the Cam Nesa team gave me. They improved my CV, provided me with training and helped me with interview skills, all of which helped me to get the job.“

Whilst the Cam Nesa project has now come to an end, the Council’s Youth Service will continue to provide support for 16 to 18 years old who are NEET through their KIT (Keeping in Touch) Team. The team also provides employability support to 18 to 25 year olds in partnership with Jobcentre Plus at their centres in Neath and Port Talbot.

Councillor Peter Rees, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Culture said: “As a council we are committed to giving every young person the best start in life so they can be the best they can be.”

“By providing additional support to those who are not actively looking for work or training opportunities, we can help to give them the confidence, guidance and employability skills they need to pursue a career of their choice.

“I am delighted that we will be continuing to provide this much needed support through our KIT Team.”

Cam Nesa was a European Social Fund project that run between 2018 and 2021. It was led by Pembrokeshire County Council and delivered in partnership with Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire, Swansea and Neath Port Talbot local authorities.

If you or someone you know could benefit from Neath Port Talbot Council’s KIT Team, email youth.service@npt.gov.uk .