28.07.23
The achievements of a group of young people on a council traineeship programme have been celebrated in a special presentation event this week.

Around 45 young people attended the event at County Hall that recognised their success on the Bright Start scheme – a programme that provides training and work placement opportunities for Children Looked After and young people leaving care across a range of businesses and organisations in Cardiff, including a variety of roles in the local authority.

Bright Start gives each young person a fully trained mentor, to give them guidance and to help them access advice services. This includes the council's Into Work Services, offering a range of careers support.

Placements last either three or six months and are available in a variety of different services and departments across the council including Cardiff Riding School, Connect to Cardiff, parks, libraries and hubs and Cardiff International White Water.

One trainee said: “Since starting the Bright Start project I feel it has changed my life by helping make it easier to find a job or to be able to find somewhere to learn the skills needed for the job I want to do. It has also helped by giving me something to do so I can get out of the house more.”

Cabinet Member for Social Services (Children), Cllr Ash Lister said: “As corporate parent to children and young people in care in the city, it’s the Council’s responsibility to ensure they have the opportunity to thrive. We’ve pledged to make sure that young people have the right training and feel ready for the future, and that is exactly what the Bright Start scheme is doing – supporting young people with opportunities to experience the world of work and providing any assistance they need to have positive experiences in their traineeships.”

Cabinet Member for Tackling Poverty and Supporting Young People, Cllr Peter Bradbury, said: “Massive congratulations to all the young people on the Bright Start scheme. It was really fantastic to meet them, to celebrate their achievements and hear their experiences of their work placements.

“I’m sure that over the past few months, they have found the support and advice of our Into Work Advice Services, who support so many people to get into employment, to be invaluable. I wish everyone the very best for their futures.”

A raffle took place at the presentation celebration when the trainees won prizes donated by various organisations including tablet devices from Into Work Advice Services, gifts from The Body Shop, Lush, Treetop Adventure Golf, Escape Rooms Cardiff, Christmas Lights @ Bute Park, Atma Lounge Balloonery Aberdare, Base 19 and Costco. The Bright Start scheme is grateful to everyone who kindly donated to the raffle.