Work experience scheme to help students reconnect with education

Young people at risk of leaving education will be provided with work experience to help them reconnect with their education and to help reduce youth unemployment.

Following on from a successful pilot, the half a million-pound scheme will support up to 500 learners aged 14-16, in years 10 and 11 in 2023/24. They will benefit from high quality work experience placements, in a sector that appeals to them as part of wider Welsh Government work to prevent and reduce youth unemployment.

Careers Wales advisers will work with schools and employers across Wales to match up to 500 year 10 and year 11 learners with a placement.

Learners will be expected to engage or reengage with core GCSE studies at their school as part of the scheme, whilst attending their work experience placement, one to two days a week.

As part of the pilot scheme where 100 year 10 learners were offered a work experience placement, Louie, now a year 11 learner at Newport High School was placed at Brooklyn Motors, a local garage in Newport.

Minister for Education and Welsh Language, Jeremy Miles, said: "Giving a real-life insight into the world of work through work experience is known to boost the career prospects of young people.

"I am determined to ensure young people have the aspiration, self confidence and opportunities they need to get on in life.

"That’s why I’m announcing over £500,000 for Careers Wales to build on this successful scheme to help the young people who will benefit the most from work experience."