An £8m initiative seeking to improve the skills and employment prospects of 6,000 people living across three south east Wales counties has been announced by the Minister for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills, Leighton Andrews AM, yesterday.
The QWEST (Quality Work Employability Skills Training) project – led by University of Wales, Newport – will help economically inactive and unemployed individuals on tailored pathways into employment.
The project, backed with £5m from the European Social Fund through the Welsh Assembly Government, will pioneer the engagement and training of up to 500 volunteers, including local community leaders, to ‘buddy’ participants throughout their journey into employment.
Targeting individuals living in Blaenau Gwent, Torfaen and Caerphilly, the project will offer a range of support such as personal development training, labour market preparation, volunteering opportunities and work experience.
The innovative approach is aimed at helping those from disadvantaged backgrounds to build their confidence and self-esteem so they can take the first steps towards entering the workforce.
Education Minister, Leighton Andrews AM, said:
“We are committed to providing the right support and training to move economically inactive and unemployed individuals into sustainable employment.
“QWEST will make a vital contribution to the transformation of the Valleys, helping many local people build their confidence and skills and, in turn, improving their job prospects and future prosperity.”
QWEST will offer assistance for those wishing to pursue learning through the Universities Heads of the Valleys Institute (UHOVI). It will also provide specialist support for participants who may have disabilities or health limiting conditions and will train volunteers to support these individuals.
Dr Peter Noyes, Vice Chancellor of the University of Wales, Newport said:
“The University is delighted to be leading the delivery of this innovative approach to social justice and regeneration. It will strengthen the tools we have to deliver our commitment to improving the region.
“This approach is particularly effective because it will not seek to duplicate the work of the existing schemes helping the people of the area, but will instead work with them and even help people to access them.”
The University of Wales, Newport will deliver the project in partnership with public, private and third sector organisations and will work with other projects operating in the area to maximise its impact.
Philip Jenkins from Torfaen, worked in industry until he was made redundant. QWEST is helping Phillip to gain skills and experience and he now helps other people in the area to gain support from QWEST.
Philip said:
“QWEST is a great opportunity for our area. It has helped me but it also allows people to give something back. I really hope that this project grows and grows and helps lots more people locally to fulfil their potential.”
