A project to improve the skills and job prospects of people from ethnic minority and migrant communities will be expanded following a £570,000 EU funding boost.
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
Sova Cymru will expand its Achieving Change through Employment (ACE) project across Wales, moving into Flintshire, Wrexham, Powys, Monmouthshire, Newport, Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan.
Over the next three years, a further 250 people will benefit from training programmes, opportunities to achieve qualifications and take part in work experience or volunteering.
Finance Secretary, Mark Drakeford said:
“I’m pleased to announce this funding, which will allow Sova Cymru to create more opportunities for people from minority communities and help develop a more inclusive society and economy in Wales.
“This is another positive example of EU funding helping to improve the skills and boost the prospects of people in Wales following substantial investment in apprenticeships and traineeships and support graduate programmes and advanced manufacturing skills.”
The ACE project is improving literacy, numeracy and personal skills, particularly among people affected by long-term unemployment and with low skills, disabilities, and caring responsibilities.
A key feature of the project involves one-to-one mentoring and ongoing personal support provided by volunteers who are recruited and trained from local communities.
Specialist guidance with job-seeking and help with transport is also being provided.
Sova’s chief operating officer Sophie Wilson said:
“Sova is absolutely thrilled to be delivering the Achieving Change through Employment project. Building on the project in West Wales and Valleys, this funding will now support services across the whole of Wales for people from a BAME and migrant background.
“We know how important it is to provide specialist support to people who face significant barriers to accessing education, training and employment. We believe given the support, people from ethnic minority and migrant communities in Wales can succeed and thrive and our team of dedicated staff and volunteers will be on hand to make that happen.”