Wales to benefit from seven more Youth Hubs thanks to UK Labour Government

Hundreds of young people across Wales are set to benefit from expanded access to employment and support services, as the UK Labour Government confirms the locations of seven more Youth Hubs.

In the next two years, the Vale of Glamorgan, Flintshire, Cardiff, Powys, Monmouthshire, Gwynedd and Ceredigion will see new hubs open in local sports clubs, libraries and other venues at the heart of the communities.

In total, 20 areas across Wales have now been allocated a Youth Hub, with an aim to ensure that a young person is no more than one hour away from a Youth Hub by public transport, making local support services accessible no matter where they live.

Shav Taj MS, Welsh Labour spokesperson for Employment and Equalities, said:

“Local, tailored support is invaluable in helping young people take their first step onto the jobs ladder and access training opportunities they need to progress in their careers.

“These new Youth Hubs will change lives and expand on the UK Labour Government’s existing offer, ensuring more young people across our communities in Wales are able to learn and earn in their local area.”

Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said:

“Even more young people in Wales will get the support they need to get that vital first job through our expansion of UK Government Youth Hubs to seven more areas.

“These new Youth Hubs will provide tailored support, access to training opportunities and connections to employers who have job vacancies so that young people can both learn and earn in their local communities.”

Secretary of State for Work & Pensions, Pat McFadden, said:

“We want to make sure young people are getting real, personalised support, that’s not one size fits all. I’ve seen how it can change lives.

“Our Youth Hubs have over the past two years pioneered this approach – bringing job centre services together with mental health support, housing advice and more.

“I want to turbocharge this rollout so that every young person has this support within reach that can help them move into learning or earning.”

Youth Hubs are central to the UK Labour Government’s once-in-a-generation drive to tackle youth unemployment, backed by £2.5 billion investment, and bring together local mental health and housing support, skills and training opportunities as well as careers guidance and work opportunities with links to local employers with live job and apprenticeship opportunities.

During our time in government in Wales, Welsh Labour was committed to providing opportunities for young people through introducing the Young People’s Guarantee, providing the most generous student support package across the UK and protecting the Education Maintenance Allowance.

Over the next three years, the UK Labour Government is expanding its network of Youth Hubs to over 360 local areas across Great Britain. This will connect young people with real opportunities in their local area, ensuring each person has access to high-quality, wide-ranging support to move towards learning or earning.