Community

Skills competitions for young people with additional learning needs

Published

3 years ago

June 21, 2023

Tom Sinclair

SKILLS competitions are kickstarting careers for young people with additional learning needs

Bluestone is just one business in Wales giving competitors paid job placements

Young people with additional learning needs are being given a platform to showcase their skills in a competitive environment to help secure placements in the working world.

King, Morgan and Cecily, from Pembrokeshire, are just one group of learners whose performance at Skills Competition Wales and WorldSkills UK has helped them land paid work experience.

They are currently on a supported internship programme with major Welsh employer, Bluestone National Park Resort, having impressed the award-winning resort destination after their triumph in skills competitions.

The trio, who started out at Pembrokeshire College’s Life Skills Academy, are now gaining real work experience in a range of placements within the IT, food and beverage, retail, and housekeeping industries.

King Khamhanphon, who works at Bluestone’s café, said: “I work at the café at Bluestone and really enjoy it because of the team. I feel very supported and am currently a semi-finalist in the inclusive competition Restaurant Service category for WorldSkills UK’s National Finals. The competitions and my internship at Bluestone have helped me to develop my skills and confidence a lot.”

In Wales, inclusive competitions are funded by the Welsh Government through Skills Competition Wales and are delivered by the Inspiring Skills in Wales project. Promising competitors often go on to compete in the national competitions at WorldSkills UK.

Those interested in competing in inclusive competitions can choose to compete from a selection of 12 categories including Automotive Technology, Woodwork, Childcare, Life Skills and more.

The competitions aim to not only help improve young people’s confidence and employability skills but seek to break down barriers and help learners reach significant milestones in their personal life such as securing a job and gaining financial independence.

Emma Jones, Curriculum Manager at the Life Skills Academy, said: “We’re so proud of all our learners. It’s fantastic to see how far they’ve come since starting at the academy and at their supported internships. Learners are sometimes nervous about participating in skills competitions, but it really helps to build their confidence and often gives them the boost they needed to transition into real working environments.”

“The pride that our learners have in being an authentic contributor to their community has been truly overwhelming and we are experiencing such growth in this area of our curriculum.”

Helen John, Bluestone Academy Manager, said: “We’re committed to providing opportunities for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities through workplace learning and training. The Life Skills Academy supported internship initiative is one of which we’ve had particular success and was brought to our attention through the learners’ success in several skills competitions.

“Inclusive skills competitions are a brilliant way for young people who might not otherwise have had a chance to perform under pressure in a working environment before, and as a business, we have experienced first-hand the benefits of hiring people who have a fresh perspective and varied and talented skillset.”

Welsh Government Minister for Economy, Vaughan Gething, said: “Wales is showing itself to be a leading force in paving the way for opportunities for young people with disabilities and additional learning needs. I’d like to thank the learners, tutors and organisations involved in these initiatives for their hard work in helping to transform the expectations, experiences, and outcomes for so many children and young people in Wales.

“The aim of Skills Competition Wales and WorldSkills is to celebrate learners’ skills and achievements while raising their employability skills, so it’s fantastic to see reputable organisations such as Pembrokeshire College and Bluestone launching these sorts of programmes together.”

Community

Tesco grant funds surf therapy for young people in Pembrokeshire

Published

10 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A £1,500 grant from Tesco Stronger Starts has helped deliver a surf therapy programme for young people facing mental health challenges in Pembrokeshire.

Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board, said the funding enabled Tonic Surf to run a ten-week course aimed at improving wellbeing among those aged 14 to 25.

The programme combined surfing with beach-based activities, using the natural coastal environment as a therapeutic setting. Sessions were delivered in partnership with Walkin’ on Water Surf School and supported by clinicians from the Health Board’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).

Participants received guidance from qualified surf coaches alongside mental health professionals, creating a structured and supportive environment designed to build confidence and resilience.

Organisers said the project helped young people develop coping strategies, strengthen social connections, and support their recovery through positive outdoor experiences.

Claire Rumble, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Tesco Stronger Starts for supporting this local project.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda, and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Hywel Dda Health Charities said the initiative highlights the value of community funding in providing additional support services beyond core NHS provision.

Photo caption: Community support: Corinda Pengilly, Tesco Charity Champion, with Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer (Pic: Supplied).

Community

Youth hub coming to Pembrokeshire – but location still unknown

Published

12 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

New support service confirmed for young people, but exact site yet to be revealed

A NEW youth hub is set to open in Pembrokeshire as part of a major UK Government rollout aimed at helping young people into work — but officials have not yet confirmed where it will be based.

The hub is one of 12 new sites announced across Wales, designed to support 16 to 24-year-olds with access to jobs, training, mental health services and housing advice under one roof.

The Department for Work and Pensions said the hubs will bring together Jobcentre Plus, local authorities, employers and training providers to help young people who are not currently in education, employment or training.

However, while Pembrokeshire has been named as a location, no further detail has been provided on which town or building will host the service.

The Herald understands that such hubs are often based in or alongside existing Jobcentre Plus offices or council-run facilities, but at this stage no confirmation has been given for Pembrokeshire.

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said: “Today marks a major boost for young people across Wales.

“We are delivering support in every region, connecting young people with employers and meeting them where they are so they can take the first step into work.”

The announcement also includes plans to hand more control over employment support funding to the Welsh Government, with £20 million already allocated to pilot schemes aimed at tackling economic inactivity.

Minister for Skills Jack Sargeant said the move would allow programmes to be tailored to local communities.

“Decisions about getting people back into work are made by those who know their communities best,” he said.

The new hubs form part of a wider UK-wide plan to ensure every area has access to a Youth Hub, amid concerns about rising numbers of young people not in work or education.

Further details, including the exact location of the Pembrokeshire hub and when it will open, are expected to be announced at a later date.

Community

Thousands of sick and disabled people supported into work as Government hits target

Published

18 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

More than 65,000 people across the UK receive tailored employment support – but questions remain over impact and benefit changes

TENS of thousands of sick and disabled people across the UK – including in Wales – have received personalised employment support under a major Government scheme, according to new figures released this week.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) says more than 65,000 people have now been helped through its “Pathways to Work” programme, exceeding a target set in March 2025.

The initiative, delivered through Jobcentres, offers voluntary one-to-one support for people classed as having limited capability for work and work-related activity (LCWRA) – a group previously not required to seek employment.

Support or pressure?

Ministers say the scheme is helping to “fix a broken welfare system” by offering tailored advice, training opportunities and routes into employment.

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said the programme is giving people “a real chance at secure employment” after years of being “written off”.

However, critics have long argued that changes to welfare policy risk placing pressure on vulnerable people, particularly those with long-term health conditions or mental illness.

Around 2.7 million people are currently classed as LCWRA on Universal Credit, including more than 170,000 aged between 18 and 24.

Government data suggests that after two years, around 11.4% of those who received similar support were in work, compared to 8.1% who did not – a modest but measurable increase.

Changes coming in April

The announcement comes ahead of significant changes to Universal Credit due to take effect from April 6.

These include an above-inflation rise in the standard allowance, worth around £295 this year for a single claimant aged 25 or over.

However, the reforms also introduce a lower health-related payment for new claimants – £217.26 per month, compared to the current £429.80 – a move that has already attracted concern from campaigners.

The Government says the changes are designed to “rebalance” the system and encourage more people into work, alongside a wider £3.5 billion investment in employment support.

Real-life impact

The DWP highlighted individual success stories, including one claimant who turned a passion for art into paid work after receiving support from an adviser.

But questions remain about how widely such outcomes can be replicated, particularly in rural areas like Pembrokeshire where access to jobs, transport and specialist services can be limited.

Local picture unclear

While advisers are now based in Jobcentres across Wales, no local breakdown has been provided showing how many people in Pembrokeshire or West Wales have benefited from the scheme.

With economic inactivity and long-term illness rising in many parts of Wales, the real test will be whether programmes like this translate into sustained employment locally.

The Herald understands that further data on regional outcomes may be published later this year.