TODAY, the Welsh Labour Government outlined the success of its Young Person’s Guarantee which has helped over 48,500 young people – more than 6,000 of whom have progressed into employment, with more than 700 starting their own business.
The Guarantee offers everyone aged 16-24 the best possible start in life. It helps them to easily access the support they need. Whether that is continuing in education, pursuing training, starting an apprenticeship, entering employment or even launching their own business.
And there is plenty to celebrate. In 2022, 85.8% of young people in Wales were in education, employment or training, up from 83.7% in 2021. This is making solid progress towards this Welsh Labour Government’s milestone of ensuring at least 90% of 16–24-year-olds are in education, employment or training by 2050.
The initiative stands as a cornerstone of the First Minister’s vision for Wales, delivering what truly matters to Welsh communities. This Welsh Labour Government is focused on making Wales a country where opportunity is available to all, fuelled by our priority of jobs and green growth.
Last week, Plaid Cymru and the Welsh Conservatives voted against this Welsh Labour Government’s Budget, trying to deny thousands more apprenticeships for people of all ages , money to support children with additional learning needs and giving thousands of students the £40-a-week Education Maintenance Allowance.
First Minister Eluned Morgan said: “I am delighted with the progress we are making with the Young Person’s Guarantee and now, thanks to our Budget passing in the Senedd, we will be able to provide thousands more all-age apprenticeships, money for children who need it most and give the Education Maintenance Allowance to thousands more students.
“Last week, our Welsh Labour Government showed its commitment to backing education in Wales while Plaid Cymru and the Welsh Conservatives turned their back on our young people and tried to deny thousands of young people the opportunities they deserve.”
Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership Jack Sargeant said: “I started as an apprentice, so I know first-hand the transformative power of skills, training and support. Quality support can shape lives and help young people thrive in Wales.
“Last week, I visited two Jobs Growth Wales+ and Communities for Work+ projects in Cardiff and was struck by dedicated staff helping young people find pathways that genuinely suited their individual needs, and the variety of positive outcomes these young people were experiencing as a result. It is giving young people in Wales opportunities for a bright future.”
Entrepreneurship is another vital pathway for the initiative. Since 2021, Big Ideas Wales has reached nearly 250,000 young people, while the Young Person’s Start-Up Grant has provided financial support for 615 individuals to start their own businesses, with grants of up to £2,000 alongside business support and advice.
With the continuing success of the Young Person’s Guarantee and last week’s Budget passing, this Welsh Labour Government is harnessing the power in partnership of two Labour Governments working together to deliver for the people of Wales.
