LONDON, Aug. 28 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news:

* First cohort of young peoplein Walesstartwork through theUKGovernment's Jobs Guarantee, delivering on the Prime Minister's priority to tackle youth unemployment * Scheme aims to create opportunity for those furthest from the jobs market and is backed by major businessesin construction,retailand hospitality industries. * Over 90,000 fully funded jobs to be createdacross the UKby 2029 through the Jobs Guarantee, a key part of theUKGovernment's £2.5 billion drive to tackle youth unemployment

The first young peoplein Walesto be supported by a newUKGovernment programme for the long-term unemployed have started their jobs.

Launched this summer, the Jobs Guarantee scheme offers a direct route into work for all 18-24-year-olds who have been claiming Universal Credit and looking for work for 18 months.

Roles on offer are matched to the individual's skillset, with the UK Government fully funding up to 25 hours paid work for six months to get individuals into the labour market.

3,500young peoplein Waleswill be supported into work by the scheme in the next three years, with the first cohort of young people havingstarted jobs in Cardiff, Newport, Merthyr Tydfil, Bridgend, Swansea,Caerphillyand Rhondda Cynon Taf.

Recognising that the longer people are out of work the more difficult it is to start working again, young people on the scheme get bespoke support to tackle barriers - from confidence building to skills training on the job. This means young people arrive at their new employer workready andthen continue to thrive.

The Jobs Guarantee is the latest intervention in theUKGovernment's ongoing, extensive employment support for young people, backed by £2.5 billion investment. It marks a major step in the Prime Minister's drive to get more young people intowork and bring hope tothemorethan56,000 young people in Waleswho are not earning or learning.

UKWork and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said:

Young peoplewant to get on in life but for too long too many have been denied that opportunity.The Jobs Guarantee helps change that.

Seeing the first young peoplein Walesstart their roles brings to life what this scheme is about: real jobs, proper wages, and a genuine route into a career.

As we roll this out to tens of thousands more young peoplein Wales andacross the country, we're backing the next generation to succeed and backing British businesses to grow with the talent they need."

Secretary of State for Wales Stephen Kinnock said:

Today's announcement is a vote of confidence in young people in Wales.

The Jobs Guarantee will help young people in Wales achieve that allimportant first step on the career ladder, helping them build confidence and skills with a direct route into work.

The scheme is just one of the measures the UK Government is taking to boost youth employment in Wales. 20 Youth Hubs are being rolled out across the country to support people into work, with the Youth Jobs Grant offering support to help businesses hire young people."

One of the firstJobs Guaranteepilots wasrolled out inSouth EastandSouth WestWales.

Later this year the scheme will be expanded to all eligible18-24 year oldswho are on Universal Credit and have been looking for work for 18 months.

Local delivery partners will work with employers to match young people into roles and provide ongoing support to help placements succeed.

The Jobs Guarantee is part of the UK Government's wider £2.5 billion youth employment investment which will support almost one million young people andopen up500,000 opportunities to earn or learn over three years - spreading opportunity to every postcode.

Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.