Thousands of learners every year find themselves in a similar position. The good news is there are alternative pathways that can offer more flexibility, practical learning and hands-on experience.

One such option is Jobs Growth Wales + (JGW+), a training and development programme for 16- to 19-year-olds, delivered by leading training provider ӣ�Ҹ�����Ƶ.

JGW+ helps young people build confidence, gain qualifications and develop skills that prepare them for an apprenticeship, employment or even starting their own business.

The programme is designed to suit learners at different stages:

• Engagement is a starting point for those who are unsure of their next step and need extra guidance or confidence-building.

• Advancement supports learners with a clearer idea of their career interests, helping them gain sector-specific skills.

• Employment helps young people move straight into the world of work, with real-life placements supported by training and learning.

If you’re unsure of your post-16 journey, the Advancement or Engagement routes can provide exactly what’s needed – a fresh start in a supportive environment.

For former JGW+ learner, Ethan Smith, this support, particularly when he his career path was uncertain, helped him stay motivated.

“I started with JGW+ in 2023. At first, I thought I wanted to go into childcare,” he explained. “But JGW+ and ӣ�Ҹ�����Ƶ have supported me through every twist and turn. They helped me discover the career I didn’t know was meant for me.”

After exploring different routes, including retail, it was a simple suggestion from his tutor, Kayleigh Carter, that changed everything. “I suggested he try out hairdressing,” she said. “From day one, it just clicked for him. He’s thrown himself into it ever since and has really found his spark, hairdressing suits him perfectly.”

Ethan says the hands-on elements of the JGW+ programme were what drew him in.

“As a learner, I loved the practical side. It gave me a real insight into what it would be like to be a hairdresser. The theory was explained well too, it made everything easier to understand.”

You can read Ethan’s journey in full��– from first day to job placement – here.

If��you’re unsure about your post-16 path, remember, there are plenty of options out there and it’s okay to change things up to find your perfect fit. With Jobs Growth Wales +, you can reset, refocus and move towards a future that works for you.

Find out whether Jobs Growth Wales + is the perfect fit for you here.

The event, which took place at Ocean Park House in Cardiff, welcomed special guest Jonathan ‘Jiffy’ Davies to discuss all things rugby.

The intimate Q&A session was hosted by BusinessIn Wales editor Daniel Bevan, and allowed business representatives to grill the rugby legend on the latest news and developments in the sport.

While rugby remained the focus of the morning, Jiffy opened discussions with a reflection on his own apprenticeship journey.

Jiffy described his apprenticeship placement as ‘the start of working life’ and shared that ‘without it, I don’t know what would have happened to me’.

He went on to explain that an important aspect of his apprenticeship placement was the social skills it gave him. “It was a leap of faith from school into the world of work, but it taught me how to better communicate and to not be frightened.”

Jiffy ended discussions by imparting his wisdom.

The event was also the official launch of ӣ�Ҹ�����Ƶ’s Employer Pledge.

The pledge was created in direct response to Wales’ NEET (not in education, employment or training) statistic which currently sits at 12% for 16- to 24-year-olds.

Through the pledge, organisations can commit to offering job placements and work experience to 16 to19-year-olds from its Jobs Growth Wales+ programme.

For employers, it’s a cost-free way to discover new talent, reduce recruitment overheads, and build a pipeline of future employees. It is also a way of providing potentially life-changing experience for young talent who may otherwise be overlooked.

Director at ӣ�Ҹ�����Ƶ and ALS, Helen Williams, said: “There is a great need for support from employers. This can be in the form of work experience taster sessions, placements, giving talks about your industry or even offering coaching sessions to help young people get ready for interviews.

“Businesses can help mould the future workforce in Wales, not just for the benefit of their operations and the individual learner, but for the health and prosperity of the Welsh economy.”

You can find more about the Employer Pledge here.

“Growing up, I experienced a lot of challenges — from witnessing death and drug misuse to becoming a teenage mother myself,” she said. “These experiences shaped who I am and sparked a deep desire to understand the events, triggers, and underlying factors that influence young people’s behaviours.

“Learning gave me clarity, purpose, and healing. I wanted to resonate with young people, not just on a professional level, but through shared lived experience. [I am] proof that, regardless of how life begins, it’s possible to overcome obstacles and accomplish positive things.”

This perspective continues to be at the heart of Kellie’s work, where she supports learners facing similar barriers. During her time at ӣ�Ҹ�����Ƶ, Kellie has seen first-hand the impact of simply being present for young people.

“Just being present can make a massive difference. Many of the learners I support are dealing with more than just poor attendance, they’re often struggling with complex personal issues, mental health challenges, financial issues or unstable home environments.”

As well as a connection through similar experiences, Kellie credits her academic studies with helping her see beyond learners’ surface-level behaviours and helping her develop a reflective and compassionate approach.

“Behaviour is often communication,” she added. “When we take time to understand the root causes, we can support change rather than just manage symptoms.”

In her role as an Attendance Officer, and now a Learning Coach, she has learned the value of relational work, building trust with learners by being empathetic.

“Even though my role is primarily as an Attendance Officer, many of [the learners] see me as much more than that. I’ve built relationships based on trust, consistency, and mutual respect. I’m proud to be seen as someone who makes a positive difference in their day.”

Off the back of her academic achievements, Kellie has recently been offered the opportunity to travel to the Ivory Coast on a scholarship, where she will work with children, young people, and families across education centres and youth facilities.

“It’s a chance to see how communities in a completely different cultural and social context support their young people and families,” she explained. “I also hope to share some of what I’ve learned through my own studies and lived experiences – not as an expert, but as someone who genuinely cares.”

Though short-term, the opportunity offers Kellie a chance to grow in cultural understanding and bring back new insights to her work in Wales.

“Understanding a new culture in depth will help me develop greater cultural awareness and sensitivity – both of which are vital when working in inclusive, youth-focused environments like ӣ�Ҹ�����Ƶ,” she said.

Despite the exciting international journey ahead, Kellie is committed to her work at ӣ�Ҹ�����Ƶ.

“Ultimately, my goal is simple: I want to be someone the young people remember,” she added. “Not just as an Attendance Officer, but as someone who truly listened, cared, and helped them believe in themselves.”

Whether your child gets the grades they hoped for or not, there are things you can do to support them at such a pivotal moment in their educational journey.

At ӣ�Ҹ�����Ƶ, we’ve worked with thousands of young people as they navigate through this time and, contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to have all the answers. We’ve put together a few practical ways parents can help.

Keep talk positive and open

GCSE results seem like the be-all and end-all at the time, but they don’t define your child – and that’s something you may need to be reminded of as well as your child. GCSEs are just one milestone on a much bigger journey.

Whether the results are better or worse than expected, keeping calm and positive is important.

Focus on your child’s strengths, interests, and the opportunities ahead, rather than dwelling on disappointments. Let them know that you’re proud of their effort and that you’ll support them no matter what.

Explore options together

Many young people aren’t aware that sixth form or college aren’t the only options. It’s important that they know all the different pathways available to them and the opportunities that will play to their strengths. One option is Jobs Growth Wales+, a Welsh Government training and development programme for 16–19-year-olds. JGW+ can help hone numeracy, literacy, and employability skills while also helping young people progress in their chosen field.

For teens who want a bit more freedom from and a more practical, career-focused route, Jobs Growth Wales+ can be a great option – even if they haven’t chosen a particular career pathway yet.�� JGW+ can help boost confidence and life skills, as well as offer support for wellbeing and mentorship.

Tap into some insider knowledge

While exploration of different options is positive and insightful, it can also be nerve-wracking and, likely, quite overwhelming. If your teen is experiencing information overload, encourage them to speak with a careers adviser or to attend open days at training providers or colleges.

No one knows a programme as well as the staff that live and breathe it every day, as such they are a great source of information. If your child feels uncomfortable asking questions, attend a meeting or open day with them and compile a list of questions beforehand that you can chip in and ask if they’re feeling shy.

Sometimes simply talking through a lot of information can make things less overwhelming. Ask your teen if they would like to go over their options with you, and put together a list of the pros and cons of each option.

Avoid comparisons and promote individuality

As with many aspects of modern-day life, the pressure of comparison looms large during GCSE results day. Your teen will likely compare themselves to others – to their friends, their peers or even to random people on the news or social media.

If their results are vastly different to others it is natural that they will feel left out, especially if their results mean that they can’t follow the same path as their mates, or that their plans to ‘stick together’ after GCSEs have been disrupted.

Understandably, there is a strong sense of comfort and security from friends and this change can cause added stress and emotional upheaval. Remind your teen that it’s okay to explore different options. Stepping out of their comfort zones can unlock new, undiscovered pathways and their friends will still be there for them even if they are pursuing different options.

They’re independent but you shouldn’t disengage

Regardless of outcome, GCSE results day is a pivotal turning point when your child will start making more and more independent choices about their future. Encourage that independence but stay engaged and informed. Help them with applications, offer to visit training providers and colleges with them, and keep checking in emotionally. If they seem ungrateful for your input don’t be offended, this is a stressful time for them and emotions are high. Even if they don’t show it, your support and encouragement are appreciated.

ӣ�Ҹ�����Ƶ will be bringing their Jobs Growth Wales+ programme to the heart of the city, parking up a trailer at The Hayes (near the Cosy Club entrance) from 9am to 4pm.

The trailer will be packed with information and activities designed to support and inspire young people on their career journey. Passersby can even try their hand at live paediatric and canine first aid demonstrations.

ӣ�Ҹ�����Ƶ staff will be on hand on the day to talk about their wide range of training and employment opportunities. A special focus will be placed on the Jobs Growth Wales+ (JGW+) programme,

which helps young people aged 16–19 develop skills, gain qualifications, and move into work, apprenticeships or further learning.

Visitors can find out more about JGW+ pathways including a new digital offer, where learners can explore areas such as web development, graphic design and gaming.

They can also learn about a new specialist Construction Core Level 2 qualification being introduced in September, where learners will attend the centre in Cardiff one day per week and spend the remaining four days on work placement. The course is fully funded through JGW+, and learners will receive attendance payments, a meal allowance and travel reimbursement.

Head of Youth Engagement & Training at Jobs Growth Wales+, Leon Patnett, said: “We know GCSE Results Day can be a big moment for young people. We’re here to help celebrate achievements and offer guidance for the future, and what better way than to bring the advice directly to the city centre in a fun, friendly way.”

Here in Wales, the Welsh Government’s Young Person’s Guarantee is a much-needed commitment to our 16–24-year-olds, ensuring young adults have access to support, education, training and employment. But its success depends largely on us – the businesses of Wales.

At ӣ�Ҹ�����Ƶ, we’re calling on businesses to step up and join our a commitment to support Jobs Growth Wales + learners, aged 16 to 19, through work placements or early career opportunities. It’s a simple but powerful action that can shape a young person’s future and strengthen your business at the same time.

This isn’t just about doing the right thing, it’s about doing something proactive for your organisation’s output. Our experience working with thousands of employers across Wales has shown that young people bring energy, fresh thinking, and long-term potential to the workplace. They ask questions, offer new perspectives, and often challenge us when we’re set in our ways.

Crucially, through ӣ�Ҹ�����Ƶ’s Employer Pledge, there’s no cost to you for taking on a learner. We cover the learner’s allowance while you benefit from a motivated individual eager to learn and contribute. What’s more, our dedicated team supports you every step of the way to ensure the process is seamless for both parties.

Of course, there’s also a moral imperative here. For many young people, especially those who are often overlooked for opportunities or who haven’t thrived in traditional education, a placement can be life changing. It offers a foot in the door, a boost to their confidence, and a glimpse of what their future could be in a sector they’re passionate about. As employers, we have the ability – and I would say, the responsibility – to create those opportunities.

Captiva Spa in Caerphilly is one business who has committed to supporting young people. They’ve taken on learners who have not only become valuable team members during their placements but have gone on to become long-term employees and even managers. Likewise, Cardiff-based finance company Ramsay & White��have welcomed two Jobs Growth Wales+ learners as permanent staff after watching them flourish on placement. These are not one-off success stories, they’re examples of what happens when businesses invest in potential.

Supporting the Young Person’s Guarantee through ӣ�Ҹ�����Ƶ’s Employer Pledge isn’t about ticking a box. It’s about changing lives through building a talent pipeline, supporting the local community, and shaping the kind of workforce we all want to see – skilled, engaged, and future-proof.

To those still on the fence, I say don’t underestimate what a young person can bring to your team. Yes, they might need guidance but with the right mentoring they often surprise us with their initiative, drive, and ideas.

At ӣ�Ҹ�����Ƶ, our purpose is ‘improving lives through learning’ but we can’t do it alone. We need businesses across Wales to get behind the pledge and help support our future workforce to thrive.

Find out more about the Employer Pledge and how your business can get involved here.

Nathan Emary has been studying IT, alongside Essential Skills, and was drawn to the JGW+ pathway after finishing school as it offered him work experience and a chance to earn money. This was particularly of interest to Nathan who was building a PC at the time and wanted to gain some additional IT skills as well as funds to be able to finance the project.

“The atmosphere [within JGW+] is like no other,” he said. “I get along with all the learners there and the class is very welcoming. My tutor Matt is the best, I’ve never clicked with anyone in the role like him and the way he lets everyone learn at their own pace is very refreshing – it definitely allows me to fully take in anything he is teaching.

“He will also be happy to go over anything with me personally and is always available for a general chat even with teaching multiple students at once.”

Nathan will now be heading to Legal and General and undertaking a foundation apprentice in Customer Services and Providing Financial Services with����He will be responsible for checking and processing documents.

“My time at ӣ�Ҹ�����Ƶ has definitely helped me with the hybrid work environment I will have at Legal and General as we are virtual 2-3 days a week.

“[In terms of skills gained at ӣ�Ҹ�����Ƶ] communication and collaboration are key and these have helped me significantly.”

Despite just landing the role, Nathan is keen to not rest on his laurels and has big aspirations for his future career.

“In the long term I would like to be in charge of my own company. I want to move up in Legal and General, gaining the most experience and qualifications, and hopefully moving to a managing position. I eventually want to start my own business involving smart technology.”

Matthew Hillier, Nathan’s IT tutor at ӣ�Ҹ�����Ƶ, said: “Nathan has been an absolute pleasure to have in IT on JGW+. Supporting Nathan to grow and develop through the course has been a privilege and I am inspired by of all of the progress he has made and the challenges he has overcome.

“Nathan has now secured an amazing opportunity with Legal & General, which I am confident he will excel in and prove to be a strong asset to the company. I am enormously proud of Nathan and wish him all of the very best with his future.”

If you are 16 to 19 years old and would like to learn more about Jobs Growth Wales + you can find further details and courses��here.

Through their partnership with Wales’ leading training provider, ӣ�Ҹ�����Ƶ, Captiva Spa has opened its doors to young apprentices aged 16 to 19, offering them real-world experience and the chance to develop practical, on-the-job skills.

Sarah Bruton, Managing Director at Captiva Spa, decided to offer placements in response to the gap between education and employment readiness, something that she believed a placement would bridge.

“We all know there’s a gap between what’s taught in school and what’s needed in the workplace, especially in the hair and beauty sector,” Sarah said. “Rather than complaining about that gap, we thought ‘why not be part of the solution?’”

While there were initial concerns about the additional commitments needed to support young learners, Sarah quickly found those fears to be unfounded.

“We expected it to be time-consuming and potentially challenging. But in reality, the learners were incredibly quick to adapt. They brought a real energy to the salon and very quickly became valued members of the team.”

And the impact has extended well beyond just having an extra pair of hands.

“[The learners] ask questions, they challenge us to think differently, and that’s helped us improve our processes. They’re also much more aware of social media and emerging trends, which helps keep the business fresh and appealing to younger audiences.”

Captiva Spa has also seen how valuable these placements are in developing future talent. Many of the learners go on to stay with the business, becoming long-term employees. One standout success is the salon’s current deputy manager, who started as a learner on placement.

“We’ve seen learners grow massively in just a few months. Their communication improves, their confidence grows, and they become genuine assets to the business.”

And the benefits aren’t just one-sided. While learners gain invaluable workplace experience, the business gains a clearer understanding of its own development needs.

“Having learners on board has made us think more strategically about staff training and mentoring. It’s influenced how we approach workforce development across the whole team.”

The placement programme has also helped foster a culture of mentorship at Captiva Spa; something Sarah sees as vital not just for learners, but for all staff whether they’ve been with the company 10 weeks or 10 years.

“It’s made us better at supporting each other. Our team now thrives on sharing knowledge, and that culture of learning benefits everyone.”

Asked what advice Sarah would give to other businesses considering whether to offer placement she said: “Don’t focus on what the learners don’t know yet. Focus on what

you can teach them. You’ll find they bring just as much to your business as you give to them.”

Captiva Spa’s story is just one example of how work-based learning can benefit both learners and employers alike. ӣ�Ҹ�����Ƶ works with businesses across Wales to help young people gain meaningful experiences.

ӣ�Ҹ�����Ƶ is encouraging more employers to sign its Employer Pledge – a commitment to support Jobs Growth Wales+ learners aged 16 to 19 through real-world work placements.

By signing the pledge, businesses can play a vital role in developing young talent, shaping future professionals, and bringing fresh perspectives into their teams. In turn, learners gain confidence, resilience, and invaluable skills that can’t be taught in the classroom.

For more information about how to get involved and support the next generation head here.