The largest provider of Jobs Growth Wales has signed up its first SMEs to the second phase of the scheme, and is urging Powys businesses to take up this year’s local allocation.

Itec Skills and Employment has 10 fully-funded opportunities for Powys businesses under the programme, which sees Welsh Government fund a 16-24-year-old’s salary for 26 weeks. The participant gains valuable professional experience while being supported by one of Itec’s specialist mentors.

Hailed by Welsh Government as a flagship job creation scheme, the first phase of the programme ended earlier this year, with £25 million of EU funds then secured in the spring for three further years.

Itec already has a number of employers signed up, and aims to recruit the remainder before Christmas to ensure all vacancies are underway before the 31st March deadline.

Itec’s Stephen Weller, who is heading up the company’s 10-person JGW team, explained the appeal to employers.

“Jobs Growth Wales is incredibly popular, because employers from a range of sectors can specify exactly the sort of person they are looking for and what they want them to bring to the business,” he said.

“Because it is fully funded for six months, it unlocks opportunities in SMEs who are hesitant about taking on the responsibility of creating a new position. In most cases, after those six months, the companies create a full-time, permanent position.

“They also appreciate the help we can give with the recruitment and application process, which is actually quite straightforward.”

Jobs Growth Wales is open to all SMEs in Wales: employers wanting to find out more can contact Itec’s Jobs Growth Wales helpline on 029 20 71 3242.