Caerphilly council is investing half a million pounds in a pioneering scheme aimed at tackling the unprecedented levels of youth unemployment.
Over the next three years, it will take on 150 apprentices, who will be trained as electricians, carpenters, groundsmen and for office roles, giving them qualifications and real prospects.
The Argus reported last month about fears of a generation left on the scrapheap after youth unemployment in Gwent rose by nearly 1,000 to 6,370 in the past year.
Calls have now been made for other councils and the National Assembly to follow Caerphilly’s lead after it set aside £485,000 to provide training and development opportunities for 16 to 25-year-olds.
The first 30 apprentices have started, earning up to £1,000 a month.
Caerphilly officials worked with Job Centres to give all youngsters an opportunity to apply.
Council leader Allan Pritchard said: “We want them to have the best chance of gaining real employment for the future.”
Cllr James Fussell said: “With more than 30 per cent of our employees aged 50 and over, there is a risk that if we do not train people,we may become exposed to skill gaps in the future.”
Plaid Cymru AM Simon Thomas met apprentices and called on the Welsh Government to help provide similar opportunities across the country. He said: “There is a total lack of opportunities for ever-growing numbers of our young people.
"It is becoming more acute by the day, with rising unemployment.”
Ryan Price, 22, from Pontllanfraith, loves carpentry and makes boxes and hutches for pets at home.
"But, with no opportunity to follow his dream, he spent three years working in the street cleansing department of the council before joining the apprenticeship scheme.
He will spend the next three years working full-time in Caerphilly council buildings as a carpenter. He said: “It’s a great opportunity to get into something I want to do.”
Rhys Cartwright, 20, from Fleur-de- Lys, is on an electrician apprenticeship course, with both boys on around £1,000 a month. He said: “This is on-the-job training and good experience.”
