MORE than 5,000 unemployed young people found work last year thanks to a Welsh Government programme.

Jobs Growth Wales has created 16,775 job opportunities taken up by over 13,900 young people since the programme began in 2012.

December’s statistics show that in the last month this European Social Fund-backed programme offered job opportunities to 463 job hunters. During the past 12 months 5,759 job opportunities were filled.

This programme provides unemployed young people aged 16 to 24 with a job opportunity for six months. Jobs Growth Wales helps employers to grow their business by paying the young person’s salary, with the hope they will be offered sustained employment after six months.

The latest figures published on the Welsh Government’s website, show success rates for the programme continuing, with 83 per cent of young people working in the private sector progressing into employment or further learning after completing their Jobs Growth Wales six month opportunities.

Meanwhile, 412 new businesses have been created since the programme began.