Latest news with #WorkingWales
South Wales Argus
3 days ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Careers fair in Newport helps one person land apprenticeship
The Careers Wales event at the Newport Careers Centre took place on April 16 and saw 67 people attend. The event aimed to give people the chance to connect with local employers and apprenticeship schemes. Attendees were able to ask questions and receive practical support from Working Wales careers advisers. The event had a strong turnout from young people and featured a range of organisations like Office for National Statistics (ONS), Educ8, and Specsavers. Chelsea Dopson, stakeholder engagement adviser at Careers Wales, said: "We're thrilled with the turnout and impact of this event. "Bringing together employers, training providers, and jobseekers in one space creates a fantastic environment for real conversations, advice, and opportunities." The event reportedly led to positive outcomes for many, including one attendee securing an apprenticeship at Specsavers. Feedback from both visitors and exhibitors was 'overwhelmingly positive.' One customer said: "Wonderful staff present, very accommodating with myself and young children. "Easily signposted, helpful and kind." Another visitor added: "Everyone had excellent info to give and answered all my questions." Working Wales is delivered by Careers Wales and funded by the Welsh Government to provide careers guidance and employability support to those aged 16 and above.
South Wales Argus
30-04-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
MS says Welsh businesses should consider hiring ex-offenders
This call comes from Jack Sargeant, the Welsh minister for culture, skills and social partnership, who highlights the potential of this often-overlooked talent pool in alleviating workforce shortages. In a statement, Mr Sargeant said: "Around a quarter of the UK population has a conviction. "That's a significant number of people with valuable skills, experience, and knowledge who can make a positive contribution to society – and potentially to your business or organisation as well." Ex-offenders, many of whom have developed new skills during their time in prison, are seen as a resource to help address challenges such as inflation and rising costs, which are currently hampering Welsh small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Support is available from His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS), Working Wales, and the Department for Work and Pensions, offering free access to talent. Prisons across Wales are providing training in areas experiencing skills shortages, such as construction, hospitality, digital technologies, manufacturing, warehousing, and green and net-zero courses. He said research shows that 86 per cent of employers rate ex-offenders as good at their jobs. Businesses are encouraged to contact Business Wales for advice and resources on accessing training and funding opportunities.
