The next generation of voters had the opportunity to get first hand experience of how decisions are made by local authorities at a Gwynedd Council event, organised in partnership with Careers Wales.
Around 50 youngsters from Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor in Pwllheli and Ysgol Tryfan in Bangor attended a Cabinet Workshop at the Dafydd Orwig Chambers in Caernarfon to learn more about the work of Gwynedd Council.
They met senior officers and councillors and had the opportunity to discuss and consider the different challenging matters the Council has to deal with every day.
The leader of Gwynedd Council, Councillor Dyfed Edwards said: “There are many aspects of the Council’s work which affects the everyday lives of our young people and this workshop was an ideal opportunity for the students to see how and why decisions about these services and resources are made.
“We can always learn from the views of young people. They have a fresh perspective and experience that can challenge positively our own more traditional views perhaps as councillors and officials.
“I hope this experience was a chance for them to learn about the job prospects for the future.”
Gwynedd Council children and young people’s portfolio holder, Councillor Gwen Griffith, said: “This is a valuable opportunity for young people to find out about the Council’s work and to express their opinions about some of the key issues.
“I look forward to seeing more young people getting the same opportunity in the future as it is very important that we hear their voices and that they influence the decisions that affect their lives. As Councillors, we can learn so much from our young people.
“It’s important that young people learn about the work of councillors and council officers, as they will be filling these roles in the future.”
Bethan Lloyd Owen, a tutor from Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor, said: “Attending this Cabinet Workshop in Caernarfon was a great opportunity for the Welsh Baccalaureate students. The aim of the Cabinet Workshop was to give students the chance to learn more about Gwynedd Council’s work by giving them the opportunity to discuss some of the challenging matters and difficult decision made by Council Members and Officers every day. The pupils enjoyed the day thoroughly and they have all gained from the experience.”
Beca Thomas, a student at Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor in Pwllheli, said: “I enjoyed the experience very much. It was very interesting to learn about the Council’s day-to-day work, it will be very useful for my course.
“We worked in groups with students from another school as well as discussing issues with the officers. I feel I have a better understanding of local government after attending this workshop.”
Nesta Lloyd Jones, deputy head teacher of Ysgol Tryfan, said: “The pupils very much enjoyed the day and saw the benefits of the opportunity, especially those who are studying for the Welsh Baccalaureate. It was a chance to learn what a broad range of responsibilities the Council has.
“It was also a chance for young people to develop their personal skills and to work with students from other schools. Everyone thought that public speaking element of the work was a very challenging part of the day.”
Ffiona Williams, Senior Manager of Careers Wales, said: “The Cabinet Workshop is an excellent opportunity for young people to widen their horizons and gain an insight into the range of career opportunities within the local Council. One of our main aims as a Company is to prepare young people for the world of work and this is one of many activities we promote.”
