Secretary of State for Wales Peter Hain today saw how the Government-funded Future Jobs Fund is helping young people find employment and gain valuable work experience in North Wales and urged more organisations across North Wales to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the Fund.
On a visit to Groundwork’s Pedal Power Project in Wrexham Mr Hain met 19-year-old Jonathan Ditchburn who has started working as a Bike Maintenance Assistant at the project thanks to the Future Jobs Fund. Groundwork has now placed 16 young people into jobs in North Wales.
Following the visit Mr Hain said: "Disabled people can often face difficulties when it comes to participating in physical activity but through the Pedal Power Project they are getting the help and support they need to enjoy the health benefits of cycling.
"With 700 people benefiting from the project over the past three years it’s clear to see how successful the project has been. Now, thanks to the Future Jobs Fund, Groundwork has been able to employ an extra member of staff to help meet the demand for the project.
"Through the Future Jobs Fund, not only does the project benefit but also Jonathan, who has been employed by Groundwork. Giving him the opportunity of employment now will help him gain invaluable experience and skills which will help with his future career."
Mr Hain added: "Through the Future Jobs Fund the Government has taken decisive action to avoid young people becoming long-term unemployed. We know the longer someone is out of work, the less likely they are to ever return, so it’s essential we act now to help the next generation of workers around the country. In Wales over 4,200 jobs have been created through the Future Jobs Fund and I am confident we will see this increase as more organisations come on board."
Vanessa Griffiths, Executive Director at Groundwork in North Wales said: "Groundwork’s purpose is to help people change their own lives for the better. The Future Jobs Fund means we can do just that by creating green employment opportunities for young people right across North Wales - equipping them with new green skills needed for Britain's growing green economy.
"Groundwork is committed to supporting local young people by creating 72 new jobs across North Wales over the coming months as part of our national partnership with the National Housing Federation to create over 2,300 jobs across England & Wales."
More than 4,200 jobs have now been created in Wales through the Future Jobs Fund, a Department of Work and Pensions initiative.
Minister of State for Employment and Welfare Reform, Jim Knight, said: "The £1 billion Future Jobs Fund initiative is part of our Backing Young Britain campaign, which aims to bring together employers and young people with a guarantee of work or training.
"Groundwork's successful bid is already providing much needed jobs for young people in Wrexham, giving a real boost to the local economy. I would urge other organisations in North Wales to bid for the Future Jobs Fund."
