News

AM welcomes record Jobs Growth Wales success

Published

11 years ago

January 6, 2014

REBECCA EVANS AM, Assembly Member for Mid and West Wales, has welcomed newly published figures which show the Welsh Labour Government’s flagship youth employment programme, Jobs Growth Wales achieving record results, with 96% of graduates securing work after leaving the programme.

The figures show that Jobs Growth Wales, which is part funded by the European Social Fund, has so far created 9,345 job opportunities, with 7,748 young people filling these jobs. The figures also show high levels of sustained employment amongst young people who complete their 6 month opportunities. The figures, which for the first time have been broken down into the programme’s different strands, show that 96 per cent of young people who have taken part in the graduate strand progressed immediately into sustained employment.

Mrs Evans said: “These new figures show that Jobs Growth Wales continues to go from strength to strength.

“As well as creating much needed job opportunities for unemployed young graduates during tough economic times, Jobs Growth Wales is also helping Welsh businesses to grow because every job created is a new post which allows the business to expand.”

It is not just graduates who have benefited from the scheme. Young people taking part in the Third (voluntary) sector strand also experienced high levels of sustained employment upon completing a six month opportunity.

Sixty eight per cent remained in work, or went into an apprenticeship or further learning when they left the programme.

Mrs Evans said: “From the outset of the scheme I was clear that disabled young people and young people who may need more intensive support in work should be able to reap the rewards of Jobs Growth Wales. I am glad that the new figures show that this is happening.”

The self-employment strand of Jobs Growth Wales also remains well ahead of target, with 173 young people who have taken part.

Mrs Evans said: “I am glad that Jobs Growth Wales is also supporting young entrepreneurs to turn their business dreams a reality.”

In the programme’s largest strand, the private sector strand, 78 per cent of young people progressed into sustained employment, an apprenticeship or further learning upon completing a six month opportunity, maintaining the record high recorded in the previous month.

The latest figures come as work accelerates on a new Work Programme specifically for care leavers, young people still in care and young people who have offended. The Moving Forward scheme will use £3.4 million from dormant bank accounts to create 440 job opportunities for vulnerable young people.

News

Milford Haven School celebrates U14 Pembrokeshire Hockey Championship victory

Published

15 hours ago

November 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN SCHOOL’S Under-14 girls’ hockey team has been crowned Pembrokeshire Champions, delivering an outstanding performance and securing their title after a series of intense matches.

The team, consisting of 14 talented players, demonstrated impressive skill, resilience, and teamwork throughout the competition. Under the guidance of Miss Griffiths, they evolved their strategy and showcased their capabilities with each game.

A Day of Victories

The team’s first game against YBP was a close battle, with Milford Haven securing a narrow 1-0 win.

Goal Scorer: Lola P
Players’ Player: Annabelle G
Coaches’ Player: Lilly J

In their second match, they faced Haverfordwest High and dominated with a strong midfield play and clinical finishes, achieving a 6-0 victory.

Goals Scored: Olivia D (3), Ruby D, Lola P, Ameila C
Players’ Player: Olivia D
Coaches’ Player: Ruby D

After a brief interval, Milford Haven went on to face YHT, focusing on using the field’s width, which led them to a 4-0 win.

Goals Scored: Lola P (2), Annabelle G, Olivia D
Players’ Player: Annabelle G
Coaches’ Players: Lola P and Macy B

In their final game of the day, the team played YGB, finishing with a decisive 7-0 win and showing relentless energy.

Goals Scored: Ellie M (2), Olivia D (2), Annabelle G, Lilly J, Ruby D
Players’ Player: Annabelle G
Coaches’ Players: Lacey N and Ellie M

Miss Griffiths expressed her pride in the team’s achievements and her excitement for their future development: “It’s been fantastic to watch the team grow today, and I can’t wait to see how they progress.”

Thanks were also extended to Evans Coaches for sponsoring the team’s kit and ensuring safe travel throughout the competition.

News

St Katharine Church launches ‘Come and Make Angels’ challenge

Published

15 hours ago

November 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

As part of an ambitious “Come and Make Angels” challenge, the church has set a target to fill its sacred space with over 6,500 angels. Community members of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to participate by making and decorating their own angels. These creations will contribute to a record-breaking display that celebrates hope, unity, and the joy of the Advent season.

Workshops are being held every Saturday from 10:00am to 2:00pm at the St Katharine’s Church Hall, where participants can come together for a “creative Christmas cuppa” and join in this festive project. Free activities and refreshments will be provided, making it a wonderful opportunity for families and friends to create lasting holiday memories. Those under 14 are asked to attend with an adult or older sibling.

For those wanting to take part from home, the church has provided angel templates, along with simple instructions to cut, decorate, and assemble. Once completed, these angels can be brought to the church and added to the display, which will officially be unveiled on December 14.

The community is invited to visit and witness the spectacle of thousands of angels “flying” within the church, symbolising peace and goodwill.

In addition to the angel-making challenge, the Advent and Christmas calendar at St Katharine and St Peter’s is packed with events designed to bring joy and reflection during the festive season. All are welcome to attend and share in the warmth and spirit of Christmas.

For more information about the “Come and Make Angels” challenge, or other Advent and Christmas activities at the church, please visit the Roose Local Ministry Area Facebook page or contact Rev. Nicola Davies at 07508 915 432.

The church is also preparing to light up the Christmas season with its much-loved Annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, set to take place on Sunday, December 15, at 7:00pm.

And of course, the event promises to be even more magical this year, with a unique display of thousands of handmade angels crafted by members of the community.

Community

Bishop Joins Street Pastors on Pembroke Outreach

Published

16 hours ago

November 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE’S Street Pastors received a visit from Bishop Dorrien over the weekend as he joined their outreach efforts to witness their work within the local community.

The Street Pastors, active in both Pembroke and Haverfordwest, provide pastoral and practical support to people using the town’s pubs and clubs. Their assistance ranges from offering water to the dehydrated, tissues to those in distress, and even flat shoes to help patrons make a safe journey home. Most importantly, they offer a compassionate ear, comfort, and prayers to those in need.

Supported by a dedicated prayer team, the Street Pastors take breaks to pray and gather strength, reflecting on their encounters with the community. Bishop Dorrien praised their work, describing it as a witness to Christ’s command to love our neighbours.

The Bishop noted the warm reception the team received during their rounds and the affection the community holds for their ministry. He blessed their ongoing service, acknowledging its positive impact on the lives of many.