Success of 'Young Person’s Guarantee' in Wales praised
Over 48,500 young people across Wales have been helped through the Young Person’s Guarantee programme since its launch.
The Young Person’s Guarantee helps 16 to 24-year-olds by bringing together a variety of programmes to provide the support for those looking to enhance their skills, start a business, find employment or continue in education.
Among those to have benefitted since its launch in November 2021 is a former shy school leaver who is now on track to achieve her dream of becoming a teacher.
19-year-old Ebony Riordan from Holywell transformed her career prospects by undertaking work-based learning after completing her GCSEs.
Through one of the support streams offered under the Young Person’s Guarantee, Jobs Growth Wales+, she gained valuable experience as a teaching assistant at her former school, Ysgol Maesglas, while earning teaching qualifications.
Starting with Sport Coaching qualifications, Ebony progressed to complete both a Foundation Apprenticeship and a higher-level apprenticeship in Specialist Support Teaching and Learning.
Her success in these roles, including contributing to lesson planning and supporting children with core subjects, led to her securing a place at Bangor University where she is now in the first year of her degree course.
Reflecting on her experience, Ebony said: "I always wanted to work in a school, but I had no previous experience, so I learned on the job straight away. I found it much better that way rather than taking the academic route first, as it allowed me to see if I liked the work before making a career commitment.
"I would say to anybody finding themselves in a similar position to me to research and consider all the options available and find what’s best for you. I was lucky that my mum found the opportunity for me, so don’t be afraid to seek help."
Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership, Jack Sargeant, said: "Ebony's journey shows the power of vocational training. As someone who started their career as an apprentice, I know firsthand the life-changing impact of having the right support at the right time.
"The Young Person's Guarantee is delivering real results for young people across Wales, helping them navigate the challenges of the post-pandemic environment and cost-of-living pressures.
"We want to ensure at least 90% of 16 to 24-year-olds are in education, employment or training by 2050, so I’m very proud that day-in-day-out, we’re seeing young people transform their lives and build exciting careers."
Read more
Latest News
15/05/2025 - 09:55
The government has allocated more than £630 million to public buildings to upgrade their energy measures, such as heat pumps, solar panels, insulation and double glazing.
15/05/2025 - 09:31
More than 240,000 pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are set to benefit from a national programme to improve access to PE and school sports, which has been backed by £300,000 for the first year.
14/05/2025 - 11:36
A recent TeacherTapp survey found that only half of parents attended parents evening appointments at secondary schools, while a much higher percentage attend for primary schools.
14/05/2025 - 10:43
Headteachers in Scotland, following over £1 billion investment from the government, say that the attainment of their pupils that are experiencing poverty has improved.
13/05/2025 - 11:45
New research has found that one in four (28 per cent) school leaders and headteachers across England are planning to leave their roles, with 23 per cent attributing this to stress and poor mental health.
