Latest news with #JobsGrowthWales+
Business News Wales
23-07-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Why Business Leaders Must Step Up for Wales' Young People
As employers we often talk about the skills gap, about young people entering the workforce unprepared, and about the challenges of recruitment and retention. But the real question is: what are we doing to change that? 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 ACT, we're calling on businesses to step up and join our Employer Pledge – 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 ACT'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 ACT'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 ACT, 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.
South Wales Argus
18-07-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
ACT encourages businesses to sign employer pledge
However, one way businesses are tackling both these challenges is by investing in future talent. Providing learners and those new to the industry with meaningful work opportunities allows employers to shape a skilled and motivated workforce – all while passing down their knowledge to the next generation. ACT, Wales' leading training provider, is helping businesses do just that. Through its Employer 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. Beyond the social value, businesses already in partnership with ACT are reaping the benefits. From fresh perspectives to increased productivity, the impact is widespread. Cardiff-based finance broker, Ramsay & White, has recently offered full-time employment to two JGW+ learners after successful placements. They called the venture 'a full-circle moment' for the company. 'We're one of the fastest-growing finance companies in the UK,' Rachel Morley, head of admin at Ramsay & White, explained, 'and many years ago, JGW+ gave me my start in this industry. It's a full-circle moment to now help others find their feet in finance. 'We needed individuals who were willing to be proactive and motivated, and learn. Those qualities were essential because the work involves a lot of detailed processes.' ACT makes it easy for businesses to get involved, offering support from the initial placement through to progression pathways such as apprenticeships. Jobs Growth Wales and World of Work advisor, Stella Roe, said: 'Placements are really important, not just for our JGW+ learners but for businesses too. 'For our young people they give a real insight into what the world of work is like. It gives them a taster into a field they are looking to go into, as well as helps them develop an array of transferable skills such as punctuality and communication.' 'For businesses, you get young talent. We have so many learners with so much potential who would be an absolute asset to your workforce. Giving them the opportunity to further their skills and watch them thrive is so important, especially when many discover skills that they didn't even know they had until they come on placement. 'It's a meaningful way to open doors for young people who may have faced challenges breaking into the professional landscape. Giving them the chance to grow their confidence and skills can make a lasting difference and it's really special to see.' Talking about the logistics of offering a placement, Stella explained: 'When a young person goes out on placement we are there to support you and them from start to finish. We conduct a placement induction as well as regular reviews to ensure both parties are happy. We also pay the learner an allowance so placements are at no cost to your business.' If you're ready to help shape the next generation of skilled professionals, and give your business a boost, you can learn more about the employer pledge here.
South Wales Guardian
18-07-2025
- Business
- South Wales Guardian
ACT encourages businesses to sign employer pledge
However, one way businesses are tackling both these challenges is by investing in future talent. Providing learners and those new to the industry with meaningful work opportunities allows employers to shape a skilled and motivated workforce – all while passing down their knowledge to the next generation. ACT, Wales' leading training provider, is helping businesses do just that. Through its Employer 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. Beyond the social value, businesses already in partnership with ACT are reaping the benefits. From fresh perspectives to increased productivity, the impact is widespread. Cardiff-based finance broker, Ramsay & White, has recently offered full-time employment to two JGW+ learners after successful placements. They called the venture 'a full-circle moment' for the company. 'We're one of the fastest-growing finance companies in the UK,' Rachel Morley, head of admin at Ramsay & White, explained, 'and many years ago, JGW+ gave me my start in this industry. It's a full-circle moment to now help others find their feet in finance. 'We needed individuals who were willing to be proactive and motivated, and learn. Those qualities were essential because the work involves a lot of detailed processes.' ACT makes it easy for businesses to get involved, offering support from the initial placement through to progression pathways such as apprenticeships. Jobs Growth Wales and World of Work advisor, Stella Roe, said: 'Placements are really important, not just for our JGW+ learners but for businesses too. 'For our young people they give a real insight into what the world of work is like. It gives them a taster into a field they are looking to go into, as well as helps them develop an array of transferable skills such as punctuality and communication.' 'For businesses, you get young talent. We have so many learners with so much potential who would be an absolute asset to your workforce. Giving them the opportunity to further their skills and watch them thrive is so important, especially when many discover skills that they didn't even know they had until they come on placement. 'It's a meaningful way to open doors for young people who may have faced challenges breaking into the professional landscape. Giving them the chance to grow their confidence and skills can make a lasting difference and it's really special to see.' Talking about the logistics of offering a placement, Stella explained: 'When a young person goes out on placement we are there to support you and them from start to finish. We conduct a placement induction as well as regular reviews to ensure both parties are happy. We also pay the learner an allowance so placements are at no cost to your business.' If you're ready to help shape the next generation of skilled professionals, and give your business a boost, you can learn more about the employer pledge here.
South Wales Argus
04-06-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Welsh learners to get a boost after partnership is announced
ACT has linked up with Virtus Tech as part if it's Jobs Growth Wales+ programme. Virtus Tech, which specialises in virtual reality solutions for training and education, creates immersive, scenario-based environments which echo real-world situations. Last year, ACT launched its Enrichment Curriculum for Jobs Growth Wales+ learners. As part of the curriculum, learners engage with Artificial Intelligence in multiple formats, for example using AI tools to generate customised mock interview questions and receive instant, tailored feedback on their answers. Sam Holland, curriculum development manager and digital learning specialist at ACT said, 'We are empowering young people to take control of their futures in a way that's relevant, engaging, and deeply impactful. 'The enrichment programme has led to a sizeable increase in attendance among JGW+ learners, with staff reporting significant improvements in structure, motivation, and learner engagement.' Leon Patnett, head of Jobs Growth Wales+, said: 'This enrichment work has been a game changer. It's giving learners the confidence and skills to actively shape their own paths.' George Bellwood, CEO of Virtus Tech, said: 'This collaboration reflects ACT's forward-thinking approach and commitment to innovation, setting a strong example for how emerging technologies can drive impactful skills development across Wales.'
Business News Wales
02-06-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
ACT Partners with Virtus Tech to Create Real-world Scenarios for Young Learners
ACT, Wales's largest training provider, has announced a new partnership with Cardiff-based Virtus Tech to enhance work-based learning opportunities for young people in its Jobs Growth Wales+ (JGW+) programme. Virtus Tech, a leader in virtual reality (VR) solutions for training and education, is known for creating immersive, scenario-based environments that simulate real-world situations. These virtual experiences offer learners the opportunity to practice skills, and explore challenges, preparing them for life and work beyond the classroom. The first scenario developed through this partnership features a purpose-built, in-house salon used daily by JGW+ learners, tutors, and apprentices for practical workshops. In this virtual experience, learners will conduct a full hair consultation, interacting with a simulated customer to explore different hairstyles and beauty treatments using 3D models, gaining valuable communication and technical skills. In August 2024, ACT launched its Enrichment Curriculum for Jobs Growth Wales+ learners, which focuses on challenge-based and contextualised learning in areas vital to the wellbeing and development of young people in Wales, including financial competency, health and wellbeing, personal development, and social empowerment. Each 10-week enrichment project includes four interactive classroom sessions, a guest speaker, and an offsite trip – all tailored around a central theme. Sessions focus on dynamic, learner-led experiences, as opposed to traditional classroom teaching methods. As part of the curriculum, learners engage with Artificial Intelligence (AI) in multiple formats. For instance, in the current Personal Development project, young people use AI tools to generate customised mock interview questions and receive instant, tailored feedback on their answers. They're also using Bodyswaps, a VR interview simulation platform where learners input their own CVs and job descriptions to receive immediate performance feedback, including on skills such as eye contact and posture. Sam Holland, Curriculum Development Manager and Digital Learning Specialist at ACT said: 'ACT Training is redefining how vocational and personal development skills are taught. By combining immersive technology with challenge-based learning, we're empowering young people to take control of their futures in a way that's relevant, engaging, and deeply impactful. 'So far, the results speak volumes. The enrichment programme has led to a sizeable increase in attendance among JGW+ learners, with staff reporting significant improvements in structure, motivation, and learner engagement. Many learners are also accessing careers advisory services more regularly as a direct result of their involvement in personal development projects.' Leon Patnett, Head of Jobs Growth Wales+, said: 'At the core of our JGW+ provision is the belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to grow, learn, and feel inspired. 'This enrichment work has been a game changer. It's giving learners the confidence and skills to actively shape their own paths.' George Bellwood, CEO of Virtus Tech, said: 'Virtus Tech are proud to be partnering with ACT Training, the largest training provider in Wales, to explore how XR solutions can enhance the delivery of work-based learning. 'This collaboration reflects ACT's forward-thinking approach and commitment to innovation, setting a strong example for how emerging technologies can drive impactful skills development across Wales.'
