WIREDGOV

The Potensial initiative will target 11-16 year olds who are facing difficulties such as under achievement or absenteeism. It will help target 16-19 year olds who are already in college but are at risk of dropping out.

Backed with almost £9 million from the Convergence European Social Fund through the Welsh Government, the scheme is being led by Gwynedd Council in collaboration with Anglesey, Denbighshire and Conwy councils along with Coleg Menai, Coleg Llandrillo and Careers Wales.

The First Minister will make the announcement while in Caernarfon where he will visit youngsters at Plas Pawb, a centre offering a range of educational and support services for children. The group will have the chance to quiz him on topics affecting their local area.

The First Minister said:

“We are determined to raise aspirations and increase participation rates in education, training and employment amongst our young people. Equipping them with new skills and confidence will improve their career prospects. It will also help us create the workforce the economy of North Wales will need to compete in the 21st Century.

“By working together with local authorities, schools and further education colleges, we can maximise our resources to deliver the very support young people need to remain or re-engage in education.”

Aimed at reducing the number of young people becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training), Potensial will provide alternative curriculums and innovative training to motivate students who are experiencing problems learning.

Tailored to the needs of each individual, a range of techniques will be used such as vocational training, one-to-one intensive support and activities to raise self-esteem to encourage them to remain in education and improve their skills.

The project will also provide specialist support for young people with disabilities or who are in care as well as young carers to help them achieve their full learning potential.

Gwynedd Council Leader, Councillor Dyfed Edwards said:

“The Potensial initiative brings together a truly coordinated effort across North Wales to ensure that our young people have the best opportunities to succeed.

“People can often be quick to judge young people who aren’t in education or training, but it is also vitally important that we can provide the support, skills and advice required so that they can flourish. The Gwynedd Council-led Potensial initiative will give our young people the opportunities they need to gain skills and experience and help them develop the self-confidence they need to succeed in their own communities.”