Unlocking Opportunities for Wales' Teenagers: Jobs Growth Wales+ Programme

Strategic Insights -

The pandemic has profoundly impacted the school and college experience for Welsh teenagers, leaving many uncertain about their future. The Jobs Growth Wales+ programme is stepping in to provide 16-18-year-olds with the skills, qualifications, and experience needed to kickstart their careers. This innovative initiative, supported by Welsh Government and contractors, aims to help thousands of teens access work opportunities through tailored support, including work placements, training, and apprenticeships.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Jobs Growth Wales+ programme offers free and flexible support to 16-18-year-olds in Wales, providing skills, qualifications, and experience to kickstart their careers.
  • The programme includes support for work placements, work trials, community projects, voluntary work, and opportunities to complete qualifications ranging from Entry Level to Level 1.
  • Helping teens with individual journeys, ITEC, a leading Wales-wide training provider, aims to support thousands of teens into work through this programme in the next five years.
  • ITEC offers learning, training, apprenticeship, and job opportunities in areas including hair and beauty, motor mechanics, health and social care, accountancy, and administration.
  • The programme has three strands: Engagement, Advancement, and Employment, with each providing tailored support to help young people achieve their career goals.
  • Engagement strand supports teens with a better understanding of job routes and further study, while Advancement strand addresses barriers to learning and development.

Statistics:

  • 40 years of experience in providing life-changing opportunities to young people: ITEC.
  • 5 years: target period for supporting thousands of teens into work through the Jobs Growth Wales+ programme.
  • Up to £30 per week: training allowance for Engagement strand teens.
  • Up to £55 per week: training allowance for Advancement strand teens.
  • Up to 50%: wage subsidy for the first six months of employment for teens on the Employment strand.

Sources:

  • "@ITECSKILLs, Facebook and Instagram"
  • "itewallskills.ac.uk/jgwplus"
  • "029 2066 3800"
  • "itecskills.ac.uk/jgwplus-employer"