Figures showing the Welsh Government’s EU-backed Jobs Growth Wales programme has outstripped its initial targets have been welcomed by Wrexham Assembly Member, Lesley Griffiths.
Jobs Growth Wales was launched in April 2012 with the original target to create 4,000 opportunities each year for three years. The latest official figures suggest almost 8,000 job opportunities have been created up to mid-July, with almost 6,000 young people filling the positions.
The £75 million initiative persuades businesses to create sustained opportunities and apprenticeships for young people by reimbursing the cost of employment for the first six months.
The scheme specifically caters for 16-24 year olds and is designed to secure the individual relevant work experience that takes into account a young person’s academic qualifications. It is part-funded by the European Social Fund through the Welsh Government.
The programme is divided into four strands: the private sector strand, the third sector strand, the graduate strand and the self-employment strand, which helps young people to set up their own business.
Statistics relating to the private sector strand show 76% of those who completed a six month opportunity are now working, in an apprenticeship or learning.
Commenting AM Griffiths said:
“Reducing youth unemployment is a key priority for the Welsh Government. Young people have suffered as much as anyone in the current economic downturn.”
“It is encouraging so many of the positions created are leading to sustained employment, boosting business and the Welsh economy.”
“Jobs Growth Wales has proved to be a real success, both nationally and locally here in Wrexham, and I trust it will continue to deliver positive results as we enter the next stage of the programme.”
