The pilot group reflected on their achievements at a special celebratory event at ӣ�Ҹ�����Ƶ’s headquarters last week.

The academy, which has been developed by FinTech Wales, was created to give young people the opportunity to experience the fintech industry firsthand,��allowing learners to��develop their digital skills in a work-based setting.

Over the six months,��learners completed placements with Monmouthshire Building Society, Hodge Bank, Creditsafe and Final Rentals, gaining experience of different workplaces and gaining an��insight into the opportunities available within the��flourishing sector.

Delivery Director at ӣ�Ҹ�����Ƶ, Zoe Goodall, said the programme demonstrated the importance of creating meaningful opportunities for young people.

“We hear a lot in the news about the challenges that our young people face particularly when entering the workplace,” she explained.

“It’s increasingly important that we create engaging and creative opportunities for our learners to inspire them to experience the workplace firsthand.

“We also want to help them to see what’s possible and where these opportunities can take them. I think this programme did exactly that. It gave our learners the opportunities to step outside their usual environment and experience the world of work.”

The programme was developed through collaboration between FinTech Wales and organisations across the sector, with the idea of a rotational work experience programme. It emerged from discussions about how the fintech industry could create greater opportunities within the wider community.

Rhys Griffiths, Head of Skills at FinTech Wales, said: “There are so many different job opportunities that you can do in this sector and this programme has been all about breaking down barriers and showing our young people what is possible for someone with a career in fintech.”

In the wake of the Milburn Review, these statistics have rocked the general public, however for those working in the training and education sector it’s nothing new or surprising.��

The transition between education and work has remained a hot topic for years now, with many saying that the skills we learn in school should better align to those needed within the workplace. Alan Milburn’s recent review echoed this, warning that the UK risks creating a ‘lost generation’ if we didn’t strengthen this transition. In short, too many young people are leaving education without the confidence and experience work provides.��

In response to this, Education and Employers published its report, highlighting that young people with high levels of employer engagement while still in education are 80 per cent less likely to become NEET than those with the least exposure.����

The report also found that four in five schools still expect pupils to arrange their own work experience placements, meaning opportunities are often determined by family contacts rather than ability or individual drive. This is wholly unfair and yet remains the norm. For real change to happen, and for social mobility to improve, access to workplace learning must be accessible to all regardless of postcode or personal connections.��

Even if a learner is unsure of the career path they will eventually embark on, spending time in the workplace gives young people valuable insight into different careers while helping them develop confidence, communication skills and an understanding of professional expectations.����

While week- or two-week long work experience is a beneficial taster, it can only achieve so much. Life-changing opportunities come when work placements become part of a wider journey into employment.����

That is where work-based learning has its important role to play.��

At ӣ�Ҹ�����Ƶ, we see the benefits work-based learning has, not just on individuals, but businesses and the wider Welsh economy. Whether a learner is exploring their first career, rebuilding confidence or developing skills for a specific industry, practical experience combined with traditional learning creates opportunities that classrooms alone can’t always provide.��

The conversation around youth employment often focuses on schools, colleges and training providers, but employers have an equally important role to play.��

Across Wales, skills shortages continue to affect businesses of all sizes, placing pressure on productivity, growth and workforce wellbeing. The solution to this is investment in young talent and developing a workforce for the future.��

That’s why ӣ�Ҹ�����Ƶ created the Employer Pledge, helping businesses across Wales offer meaningful placements to young people on its Jobs Growth Wales+ programme.��

The pledge removes many of the barriers that can discourage employers from offering placements. Businesses receive support throughout the process and learners are paid through the programme. This means that employers can simply focus on developing a young person’s confidence and the skills they need to succeed; helping them to become a valued member of their team.��

The impact of these partnerships is already being seen across Wales. Since its launch in the autumn of last year, more than 80 employers have signed the pledge, offering work to fresh talent who might not have been given the opportunity otherwise.����

Sarah Bruton, Managing Director at Caerphilly-based Captiva Spa, was amongst the first employers to collaborate with ӣ�Ҹ�����Ƶ and offer placements within her organisation.��

“Rather than complaining about [the skills] gap, we thought ‘why not be part of the solution?’” she said at the time. “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.”��

At ӣ�Ҹ�����Ƶ, our advisers work closely with both learners and employers throughout every placement, ensuring businesses feel supported while helping young people gain as much as possible from the experience. For many learners, these placements become the first step towards apprenticeships, further training or permanent employment.��

As the report highlights, early employer engagement improves confidence, broadens aspirations and significantly reduces the likelihood of young people becoming disengaged from education or employment. But if we are serious about reducing the number of young people who become NEET, we need stronger partnerships between education, employers and training providers. Work experience should form part of a wider journey into work, giving young person the opportunity to develop the skills, experience and confidence needed to build a successful career.��

By opening their doors to young people, employers are offering much more than just a work placement. They’re also investing in future talent, strengthening their own workforce and helping build a more skilled future for Wales.��

If you would like to learn more about the Employer Pledge and offering an opportunity to a learning, you can visit the ӣ�Ҹ�����Ƶ Employer page here.

Wales’ largest training provider welcomed representatives from the Welsh Government amongst its guests for the initial screening of The Lost Generation.��

is a documentary set against the backdrop of the recent Milburn Review, interviewing a number of learners across South Wales about their experiences living in 2026. The film, which was created using Welsh Government Renew and Reform funding, explores themes of digital safety, community, role models and lack of opportunities.��

The stars of the film are learners on ӣ�Ҹ�����Ƶ’s Jobs Growth Wales+ programme, a work-based skills provision for students aged 16 to 19. Behind-the-scenes production, such as the film’s musical soundtrack, was also created by learners.����

The documentary is the conclusion to a year-long learner-led project which began life as a film on knife crime. However, initial focus groups with learners revealed a broad spectrum of social and economic challenges that teenagers were facing, all of which were magnified by the presence of social media and the wider digital world.����

From these initial talks, the film’s focus shifted to being a platform for authentic young voices, with learners sharing glimpses of their lived experiences and their hopes for societal change.����

Managing Director at ӣ�Ҹ�����Ƶ, Richard Spear, was in attendance at the premiere.����

Speaking with news publisher BusinessIn Wales prior to the event, he was asked about the film and what his overriding emotion was during his initial watch.����

“That’s a very difficult question,” Richard said.

There are a lot of emotions going on in this film as these young people take us on a journey…but I’d have to say hope. That’s the emotion I felt at the end of the film because whilst [the learners] have faced barriers and challenges, they have shown fantastic resilience, they’ve done so well on the Jobs Growth Wales+ programme, and they’ve shown loads of positive attitude and ability. ��

“Whilst they’ve faced lots of challenges, I’m filled with hope that they will achieve great things in life.”��

The film’s release coincides with the publication of the recent Milburn Review, a report by the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions into soaring NEET (not in education, employment or training) statistics amongst young people. In Wales, 56,000 young people are classed as NEET, with the direct cost to the Welsh economy estimated to be at £2 billion every year.��

Speaking on the report, Richard added: “The report highlighted that we’ve got one million young people not in education, employment or training which is a frightening number and I know the treasury are projecting that could possibly triple over the next couple of years. That’s a massive alarm bell. We talk about the ‘lost generation’, that’s young people not getting the opportunities they deserve and if we don’t intervene that’ll have a lasting impact on them, their health and society. So, it really is a crisis – and I don’t use that word lightly. [What’s needed is] a lot of people providing the adequate support for these young people to turn their lives around, find opportunities and thrive.”��

Five of The Lost Generation’s key stars – learners Cian, Adom, Lynda, Tyler and Max – attended the premiere, taking part in a discussion panel with guests.��

A representative from the Welsh Government asked what the Government could do to further support young people. Learner Cian answered simply: “Utilise us.” Adding that young people are keen to be involved and want the opportunities and platform to make a difference to society but often face barriers due to their age and perceived lack of experience. This is a common theme echoed throughout the film.��

You can watch The Lost Generation in its entirety

At ӣ�Ҹ�����Ƶ, we’re using Men’s Health Month to platform conversations��about the experiences of young people in 2026. ��

From loneliness and ‘looksmaxxing’, young men are facing a wide variety of issues that are magnified by the constant presence of social media and the wider digital world.��

In this episode of the Little Big Actions podcast we speak to ӣ�Ҹ�����Ƶ’s Head of Youth Engagement, Leon Patnett, and Safeguarding and Prevent Manager, Ros Lovatt, to discuss the experiences they have had working with young people across��ӣ�Ҹ�����Ƶ’s Jobs Growth Wales + provisions. They also share their advice on how best to support a young person who may be struggling, and what to look out for that may indicate someone needs your help.��

That’s��certainly true for learner Abby Jones, who joined Jobs Growth Wales + in January of last year,��unsure what she wanted to do in the future.��

“I went to college for a month to do hairdressing which made me realise that hairdressing is a hobby and not something I want as a career,” Abby explained.��“After that I was working full time��as a waitress…then I joined ӣ�Ҹ�����Ƶ.”��

When she first enrolled on Jobs Growth Wales+, Abby had one clear��objective��in mind. “My main goal was to figure out what��I��wanted to do as a��long-term��career,” she said.��“I��expected��it��to be just like��school��but ӣ�Ҹ�����Ƶ was different.��I��met amazing people which was great.”��

Throughout her time at ӣ�Ҹ�����Ƶ, Abby embraced new opportunities, including an administration placement.����

“It helped me realise that��I��did not want to go into anything like that,” Abby said.��“It helped my confidence a bit,��meeting new people and working in a new space.”��

JGW+ also allowed Abby to hone her essential��skills��qualifications, helping her improve in English, Maths and Digital Literacy.����

“Studying with ӣ�Ҹ�����Ƶ is a lot better than school,” she explained.��“When you��don’t��understand��something,��the teacher running the class will make sure everyone understands before they move on which is amazing because with��English,��I��have always struggled a bit.��

“Whenever I would finish a class,��my tutor��would always check that��I��was enjoying��myself��and that��I��understood it all.��If��I��was��struggling,��they��would let the teacher know on my behalf.”��

Alongside her studies, Abby gained valuable experience through part-time work in hospitality.��

“When I was working my��part time��job it taught��me��a lot about what different jobs can be like. It��taught me how to greet customers,��how to handle bad situations��and��how to work with��unfamiliar��people.��

“Time��management��was��also��a great skill to learn.��It��helped me make sure I was at work on time and make sure I��didn’t��overwork myself. My confidence in the workspace after joining ӣ�Ҹ�����Ƶ was a lot better and helped me��to��not second guess myself as much.”��

One of Abby’s standout experiences was��going to��Barcelona��with fellow ӣ�Ҹ�����Ƶ learners and staff. It was��her first time travelling abroad.��

“I had never really��went��on a holiday before and i have always wanted to travel,” she said.��“Because��I��was with��a big group��of��people,��I��knew that��I��would feel safe.��I was��excited��to meet��new people and to be able to share the amazing experience with them.”��

The trip pushed Abby out of her comfort zone and created lasting memories.����

“We took part in��sailing and��banana��boating��which was amazing. We also did go-karting which was by far my favourite activity.��I also very much enjoyed the evenings where we went out exploring��and��was able to see what Barcelona looked like.”��

Looking ahead, Abby has ambitious plans for her future. Inspired by both her experiences at ӣ�Ҹ�����Ƶ and��one of her favourite TV shows,��Criminal Minds,��she��has made the��decision��to study��psychology��with��the Open University��in September.��She is then hoping to progress into a career.��

She said:��“After I finish my��degree��I will be doing my��Masters��degree in Forensic Psychology so I can be a fully qualified Forensic Psychologist and go into it as a��full time��job.”��

Reflecting on her experience��within the Jobs Growth Wales + programme, Abby��said:��“The staff in ӣ�Ҹ�����Ƶ are amazing and have always treated me with respect and patience,��whenever��I was��struggling or I got confused they would always take their time to help out and make sure��I��was okay.��

“I am very proud that I have gained a lot of confidence throughout my time at��ӣ�Ҹ�����Ƶ��from a mix of the Barcelona trip,��enrichment projects and trips,��as well as meeting new people��in centre.”��

These awards are special to us at ALS because they recognise the passion, commitment, and real-world impact of individuals and organisations we support through apprenticeships and work-based programmes. The event showcased excellence across 14 categories, including apprenticeships, Jobs Growth Wales+ learners, and employer engagement – championing both personal determination and the employers who help cultivate talent.

Hosted by award-winning journalist Will Hayward, the evening brought together learners from across sectors, celebrating their skill development, perseverance, and success on their career journeys. Employers were also recognised for the roles they’ve played in offering meaningful opportunities and nurturing the next generation of skilled professionals through apprenticeships and work-based learning.

Speaking��at��the event��was��Strategic Director��for��the National Training Federation for Wales, Lisa��Mytton, who had also acted as an independent judge for the��awards’��nominations.��

During her speech, Lisa impressed the importance of work-based learning not just for individuals but for the economic health of Wales, she said:

“Events like��this��shine��a light on what really drives Wales forward – the talent,��commitment and ambition of our learners, employers, and training��providers.����

“Apprenticeships are central to that progress. They give people the��chance to build real careers, they give employers the skilled workforce��they��need,��and they strengthen the Welsh economy from the ground��up. When we invest in apprenticeships, we invest in��Wales’��future.”��

The full list of Success Through Skills 2026 winners:��

Essential Skills��Learner of the Year
Bronze��– Christine Beale
Silver��– Lowri Evans
Gold – Ifeoluwa Anipupo

Jobs Growth Wales+ Engagement��Learner of the Year��

Highly��Commended – Sean Murphy
Bronze – Jack Jones
Silver – Logan Harrison
Gold – Courtney Ali����

Jobs Growth Wales+ Advancement��Learner of the Year
Highly Commended��– Tia Montanari
Highly Commended – Gwen Jenkins
Bronze – Kia Richards
Silver – Jessica Waite
Gold – Logan Langmead

Jobs Growth Wales+��Employers��of the Year
Bron Afon
Little Inspirations Nurseries

Valued Partners
Jenna Murphy Art
Down to Earth

Foundation Apprentice of the Year
Highly Commended – David Boyle
Bronze – Millie Evans
Silver – Lisa Isgrove
Gold – Olivia��Ampleford������

Apprentice of the Year
Highly Commended – Lauren Gunning
Bronze – Michelle Mclachlan
Silver – Poppy Wright
Gold – Maddy Groves����

Higher Apprentice of the Year��

Bronze – Kelly Beaumont
Silver – Darren Sweeney
Gold – Jess Poole����

Small Employers��of the Year��

Atkins Accountancy
MS Group����

Medium Employers��of the Year
Midway Transitional Solutions
Welsh Rugby Union

Large Employers��of the Year
Innovate Trust
Legal and General��

Professional Development��Employers��of the Year
The Royal Mint
Aneurin Bevan University Health Board

New Employer Partners��of the Year
Eden Nursery
Admiral Group
Sacyr��

The��annual��awards, which launched last year,��celebrate��learners,��tutors,��employers��and businesses��who have helped promote work-based learning across Wales.����

The awards were created to recognise the importance of apprenticeships and work-based learning, not just as a valid education and career pathway��for individuals��but as an operational��tool for employers.����

The event, which��comprised��a total of 14 award categories, was hosted by multi-award-winning journalist, Will Hayward.����

Among those recognised were apprenticeship learners, learners from the Welsh Government’s 16-to-19 programme Jobs Growth Wales, as well as pupils at ӣ�Ҹ�����Ƶ’s��independent��Schools provision.����

Employers were recognised for their contribution��to��upskilling internally, as well as offering placements to learners at the start of their career journey. There was also a special ‘Valued Partner’ award for organisations who have offered their time and resources to��provide enrichment days for young learners on the Jobs Growth Wales + programme.��

Speaking��at��the event��was��Strategic Director��for��the National Training Federation for Wales, Lisa��Mytton, who had also acted as an independent judge for the��awards’��nominations.��

During her speech, Lisa impressed the importance of work-based learning not just for individuals but for the economic health of Wales, she said:

“Events like��this��shine��a light on what really drives Wales forward – the talent,��commitment and ambition of our learners, employers, and training��providers.����

“Apprenticeships are central to that progress. They give people the��chance to build real careers, they give employers the skilled workforce��they��need,��and they strengthen the Welsh economy from the ground��up. When we invest in apprenticeships, we invest in��Wales’��future.”��

The full list of Success Through Skills 2026 winners:��

Essential Skills��Learner of the Year
Bronze��– Christine Beale
Silver��– Lowri Evans
Gold – Ifeoluwa Anipupo

Jobs Growth Wales+ Engagement��Learner of the Year��

Highly��Commended – Sean Murphy
Bronze – Jack Jones
Silver – Logan Harrison
Gold – Courtney Ali ��

Jobs Growth Wales+ Advancement��Learner of the Year
Highly Commended��– Tia Montanari
Highly Commended – Gwen Jenkins
Bronze – Kia Richards
Silver – Jessica Waite
Gold – Logan Langmead

Jobs Growth Wales+��Employers��of the Year
Bron Afon
Little Inspirations Nurseries

Valued Partners
Jenna Murphy Art
Down to Earth

Foundation Apprentice of the Year
Highly Commended – David Boyle
Bronze – Millie Evans
Silver – Lisa Isgrove
Gold – Olivia��Ampleford������

Apprentice of the Year
Highly Commended – Lauren Gunning
Bronze – Michelle Mclachlan
Silver – Poppy Wright
Gold – Maddy Groves����

Higher Apprentice of the Year��

Bronze – Kelly Beaumont
Silver – Darren Sweeney
Gold – Jess Poole����

Small Employers��of the Year��

Atkins Accountancy
MS Group����

Medium Employers��of the Year
Midway Transitional Solutions
Welsh Rugby Union

Large Employers��of the Year
Innovate Trust
Legal and General��

Professional Development��Employers��of the Year
The Royal Mint
Aneurin Bevan University Health Board

New Employer Partners��of the Year
Eden Nursery
Admiral Group
Sacyr��

The FinTech Wales Community Academy��will offer paid, hands-on workplace experience for learners aged 18 to 19��who are not currently in full-time education, employment, or training. Through funding provided by the Jobs Growth Wales+ programme, participants will have the opportunity to earn a nationally-recognised qualification��while completing placements with some of Wales’ most recognisable fintech organisations, including Monmouthshire Building Society, Hodge Bank, Creditsafe, and Final Rentals.

Designed to address skills shortages and broaden access to high-growth careers, the academy delivers training through ӣ�Ҹ�����Ƶ Training. Learners will work towards an Agored Award in Digital Skills for Business Level 2, developing practical skills in:

• Data management

• Digital collaboration tools

• Online security

• Professional communication

Speaking about the launch of the academy,��Rhys Griffiths, Head of Skills at FinTech Wales, said:

“We are thrilled to launch the FinTech Wales Community Academy. This programme has been shaped by employers coming together to collaboratively tackle skills challenges within the sector. By investing in people, we’re not only creating valuable career pathways for young people but also strengthening the future of fintech in Wales. This is about collaboration, shared ambition and building a sustainable talent pipeline for the industry.”

Having recently completed its own community academy,��Monmouthshire Building Society��is excited to be part of the programme.��Kristy Maloney, Head of Savings, said:

“We’ve seen first-hand the positive impact of providing an opportunity to explore a new career – it’s exciting for the participants and for us as an organisation. Through working in collaboration with FinTech Wales, Hodge Bank, Final Rentals and Creditsafe, we’re able to continue making a difference and build the talent pipeline here in Wales. We can’t wait to meet the potential stars of the future.”

Lucy Wilkinson, Digital Services Route Manager at ӣ�Ҹ�����Ƶ Training, added:

“We’re proud to offer a programme where learners not only gain hands-on experience across the fintech sector but also achieve a recognised digital skills qualification along the way. Being part of Jobs Growth Wales+ allows learners to hone their numeracy, literacy and employability skills, all while receiving support and guidance from experienced tutors. They will also get the chance to work with different organisations, make new connections and get a taste for the world of work. At the end of it, our learners will leave ready to take their next step with a qualification that opens doors for them.”

Those interested in applying can find full details and application information here.

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.