Tackling youth unemployment in the region, a project ran by Neath Port Talbot Council has successfully supported more than 300 young people to help get access to either employment, full-time education or training.
Ran by the council’s Youth Service, the project specifically worked with young people between the ages of 16 and 24, who were disengaged from the job market and not in employment, education or training (NEET).
Known as Cam Nesa, the scheme saw youth workers employed by the project to provide tailored support for young people, such as helping them with job searching, CV writing, interview techniques and completing job applications.
These youth workers would also provide advice and guidance when needed, including signposting to specialist support services if required.
Since launching in 2018, Cam Nesa has supported 243 young people in the Neath Port Talbot area enter employment, and a further 57 into education or training.
Cam Nesa was a European Social Fund project which ran from 2018 through to 2021, having recently come to an end. It was led by Pembrokeshire County Council and delivered in partnership with Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire, Swansea and Neath Port Talbot local authorities.
However, despite having recently concluded, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Youth Service have committed to continuing to provide this type of support for 16-18 year olds who are NEET, with services provided via their KIT (Keeping in Touch) Team.
In partnership with the local job centres, the KIT team also provides employability support more widely to 18-25 year olds in the region.
Councillor Peter Rees, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Culture said: “As a council we are committed to giving every young person the best start in life so they can be the best they can be.”
“By providing additional support to those who are not actively looking for work or training opportunities, we can help to give them the confidence, guidance and employability skills they need to pursue a career of their choice.
“I am delighted that we will be continuing to provide this much needed support through our KIT Team.”
Neath Port Talbot Council’s KIT Team can be reached by email at: [email protected]
