Decision details

The National Assembly for Wales’s Enterprise and Business Committee  undertook an inquiry into Assisting Young People into Work.  

Terms of Reference:

• What support is most effective and what are the main barriers that face young people trying to enter the labour market?
• To what extent is the Welsh Government’s strategy for young people who are not in education, employment or training effective and value for money?
• What progress has been made to date on the Youth Engagement and Progression Framework Implementation Plan?
• How effective is the strategic role of local authorities and other key stakeholders including the Careers Service, the Youth Service, and the education regional consortia?
• The extent of discrimination and its impact on the recruitment of young people;
• How effective are the range of schemes, initiatives and projects aimed at supporting young people into work, for example: Jobs Growth Wales; apprenticeships; traineeships; other projects supported by European funding; and third-sector-run projects? Do they provide good value for money?

Issues that the Committee considered as part of these terms of reference included:

• The impact of the Welsh Government’s prioritisation of support for young people age 16-18; and the impact of this prioritisation on those aged 19-24;
• Transport (especially in rural areas): what are the problems and what assistance can be provided?
• The need for softer skills: e.g., effective interview and job application skills; ready-for-work skills;
• What can be done to assist the groups of young people who are more affected by barriers to re-entering the labour market, for example those with disability?
• The impact and value-for-money of European funds;
• Regional variations and local challenges;
• The social problems that prevent young people from finding work, and how to change the culture and attitudes that entrench unemployment for many.

Evidence from the Public

The Committee held a public consultation to gather evidence on this topic.

The item started at 15.10

NDM5763 William Graham (South Wales East)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

Notes the report of the Enterprise and Business Committee on its Inquiry into Assisting Young People into Work, which was laid in the Table Office on 18 March 2015.

The motion was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.