The largest provider of Jobs Growth Wales is urging businesses in south east Wales to sign up and take advantage of this year’s remaining allocation before the March 31deadline.

Itec Skills and Employment has 58 opportunities available for businesses across Newport, Torfaen and Monmouthshire, which involves Welsh Government funding 50 per cent of a 16 to 24 year old’s salary for 26 weeks.

Jobs Growth Wales is a jobs creation programme that was set up in 2012 to allow employers to offer opportunities to young people and create new roles within their organisation.

Staff are paid a wage and benefit from gaining vital work experience and developing on-the-job skills while also supporting Welsh businesses to grow.

Itec has worked with more than 2,500 Welsh employers through Jobs Growth Wales, jointly funded by the European Union and Welsh Government.

Lee Grindlay, sales and vettings consultant at Itec, said: “Jobs Growth Wales has been incredibly popular as it allows employers from a range of sectors to take on the candidates they are specifically looking for and train them in the precise skills needed for the business.

“In many cases, the member of staff ends up staying on within the organisation, so it’s a good way of giving someone the opportunity to get started in their career while creating a role to enable your business to grow. There are only limited opportunities available for businesses to sign up to Jobs Growth Wales so it’s best to get in touch as early as possible.”

Jobs Growth Wales is open to all SMEs in Wales: employers wanting to find out more can contact Itec’s Jobs Growth Wales Team on 029 2071 0511 or email jgwsales@itecskills.co.uk.