£26m EU-backed investment to help young people into work and training

The funding package, which includes £17.5m of EU money, will be used to  fund 3 schemes aimed at helping 7,000 young people aged 16-24 years from across Wales access training and job opportunities.

This latest announcement brings the total investment in young people through EU programmes for 2014-2020 to £193m. Speaking at an event in Swansea to mark the progress and achievements of EU funds in Wales, and the 60th anniversary of the European Social Fund (ESF), Finance Secretary, Mark Drakeford, said:

 “I am delighted we have so far invested £193m of EU funds to help our young people unlock their potential and improve their career prospects. These projects are further examples of the importance of Wales receiving replacement funding from the UK government post-Brexit, so that we can continue supporting young people, helping them secure a prosperous future.”

The schemes set to go ahead are:

• Inspire2Work 
• Ad Trac
• Cam Nesa

The schemes will provide tailored support for young people facing significant challenges. They will offer one to one mentoring, help with basic and personal skills as well as digital literacy and self esteem, so that young people are able to gain qualifications, enter further education and secure employment.

The £10m Inspire2Work project, backed with £6.7m from the ESF, will be led by Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council and Newport City Council. It will offer advice, support and training to young people in Bridgend, Rhondda Cynon Taff, Caerphilly, Merthyr Tydfil, Torfaen, Cardiff, Vale of Glamorgan, Newport and Monmouthshire.

The £5.7m Cam Nesa project, backed with £4m ESF and led by Pembrokeshire County Council, will deliver advice, support and training across south west Wales, while the £10.4m Ad Trac project, led by Grwp Llandrillo-Menai and backed with £6.8m EU funds, will deliver these services across North Wales.

Minister for Welsh Language and Lifelong Learning, Eluned Morgan, said: 

“Many young people face significant barriers in securing work because they do not have the appropriate skills or support they require to help them succeed. These schemes will help them gain self confidence and  develop the skills they need to overcome these barriers and secure employment.”