CAERPHILLY council has launched a flagship programme to offer young people aged between 16 and 18 work placements, targeted at those leaving care.
While I welcome the initiative, what a huge mistake that the Labour controlled council quietly pulled all funding for an innovative apprenticeship scheme – launched by the former Plaid Cymru administration – at the end of 2014-15.
It has never been properly explained why funding was axed.
The Plaid scheme led to some of those who took up the apprenticeships ending up with permanent jobs with the authority while others completed their courses successfully, helping them obtain permanent work elsewhere.
Other young people not on apprenticeships still gained experience which made them more employable.
The Labour Welsh Government has highlighted the importance of apprenticeships. It’s just a shame for our young people that Labour in charge of Caerphilly council didn’t feel the same way.
Colin Mann,
Leader of the Plaid Cymru Group,
Caerphilly County Borough Council
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