Actions to boost employability in Wales highlighted in progress report

Minister for Welsh Language and Lifelong Learning Eluned Morgan today announced the publication of the first progress report on the delivery of the plan, which was published in March this year. The report showcases key achievements so far, highlights ongoing work and sets out developments planned for the future.

The publication follows the Minister’s visit to the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend to launch Project Search. The project is an excellent example of the individualised approach to overcoming barriers to employment advocated by the Employability Plan.

Run by Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board, Bridgend College and Elite Supported Employment Agency, the project helps young people with additional learning needs or disabilities into work by providing them with supported internships with the aim of them securing paid employment, either with the employer or on the open jobs market, at the end of the placement.

The Minister met Olivia and Bradley, two of the ten interns taking part in the project, as they started work across various departments in the hospital and the mentors who will be supporting them.

Following the visit the Minister said:

“Our Employability Plan recognises that different people experience different barriers which prevent them entering work. For people with additional learning needs or disabilities, schemes like Project Search which give them the opportunity to show what they can do, maybe with some support to begin with, are vital.

“It was great to meet Bradley and Olivia as they start on their employment journeys and to hear about their hopes for their future careers. I am proud that our Employability Plan is ensuring the right support is in place for them, and others, to overcome the barriers to employment they face.”

Announcing the publication of the report, she said:

“I am pleased to announce today the publication of our first progress report on the delivery of our Employability Plan. The report sets out highlights over the past six months, showcasing our key achievements so far, as well as giving a flavour of work ongoing and future developments to come.

“We are just six months into a ten year plan but we have made a promising start – working to better understand existing barriers and the actions needed to deliver real change and setting in motion a far-reaching new approach to improving employability across Wales.”