YOUNG people in Torfaen, Caerphilly and Blaenau Gwent who are at risk of dropping out of education are set to benefit froma new £13 million initiative.

Funded by the European Social Fund and Welsh Government, the Pre-VENT 14-19 Scheme will tackle the underlying reasons why some youngsters find it difficult to learn and are at risk of leaving school without qualifications or skills to find a job.

It will provide a package of support and training for around 8,000 youngsters from the three Gwent local authorities, Bridgend and Merthyr Tydfil.

The funding will allow 14 to 19-year-olds to have learning coaches and teachers, helping them to channel their energies constructively, overcoming any personal or health problems and get involved in things that interest them.

The project will run for three years and will be delivered with help from Ystrad Mynach College and Coleg Gwent’s Cross Keys campus.