SINCE Jobs Growth Wales started in 2012 it has helped 423 people in Blaenau Gwent find a job.

Across Wales 14,656 young people have found work through the scheme. Thanks to the Welsh Labour Government the Welsh economy is feeling the impact of the positive measures it have taken to support young people in finding work through apprenticeships during one of the toughest economic periods in our history.

Jobs Growth Wales has not been scrapped but is currently in the transition phase between this current programme and its successor.

Partly funded by the European Social Fund, the current round of programmes came to an end on March 31 for new entrants only. Those young people accepted in the apprenticeship scheme already or who are starting placements are completely unaffected by this and will be supported to complete their opportunities.

Hopefully by mid May the replacement scheme will be launched. The Welsh Labour Government will ensure that nobody is disadvantaged in the transition to the new scheme.

I would urge any employer to get in touch and register their interest in the new Jobs Growth Wales scheme. The scheme has been a fantastic success, exceeding the targets every year that the programme has been in operation.

The original programme was designed in 2012 to create and fill 12,000 jobs and to date it has already helped almost 15,000 young people right across Wales aged 16 to 24 into meaningful jobs. In doing so it has made a significant contribution to reducing youth unemployment right across Wales.

Employment and training opportunities are vital to our young people. Last week I met with Jim Bennett, principal of Coleg Gwent to discuss the recent announcement concerning job cuts and changes to courses. The students and staff at Coleg Gwent deserve the very best opportunities and support at this difficult time and I am continuing to work to support further education in Blaenau Gwent.

If you wish to discuss any of these issues with me I can be contacted by email alun.davies@assembly.wales or you can phone my office on 01495 311160