The Arfor Programme is now open to businesses to gain financial support to create new employment opportunities for young people across Carmarthenshire.

As part of the Llwyddo’n Lleol initative, which is supported by the Arfor programme, businesses can apply for up to £6000 to offer work placements or short-term employment for young people.

A number of young people in Carmarthenshire have already been supported through the scheme including Megan Plumb from Ammanford, who has gained a placement with Menter Dinefwr.

Having finished secondary education, Megan was unsure of which path to take and the placement at Menter Dinefwr has given her the opportunity to work in a Welsh speaking workplace and gain valuable experience.

Megan said: "The support from Llwyddo'n Lleol has enabled me to work through the medium of Welsh in my local area where I grew up and that has helped to develop my skills to continue in employment.

"The Mentro element has enabled me to offer a Modern Dance event for children and young people in the area through the medium of Welsh and also to raise awareness of Welsh music."

If you are a business that could offer an employment opportunity for a young person, you can apply for financial support via Llwyddo’n Lleol 2050 webpage.

Leader of Carmarthenshire County Council, Cllr. Darren Price said: “Through our partnership with Arfor, I’m delighted to be able to offer this financial support to businesses in Carmarthenshire who are not only integral to our local economy, but also play a vital role in providing career prospects to our future generation and allowing our young people to build their futures here in Carmarthenshire.”

Who is eligible?

A business or establishment that has a valuable opportunity/post to offer a local individual

A business or establishment that has a valuable opportunity to develop a staff member/offer a current staff member new experience

A business or establishment that operates or has its main office in Carmarthenshire

A business or establishment that is run primarily through the medium of Welsh or at least gives both Welsh and English an equal platform/emphasis.

Can you offer?

A work placement within an innovative area – for example – technology, science, carbon neutral, digital marketing, communication, health and welfare, renewable energy, agri-tech etc.

Offer the individual a period of work and/or unique experiences

Offer the individual interesting work opportunities

Offer the individual mentoring and training sessions so that they benefit as much as possible from the partnership

What can Llwyddo’n Lleol 2050 offer?

You may apply for up to £6,000 towards the cost of wages, special opportunities and/or training a staff member under the age of 35.

Support may be given to people who are already in employment (i.e. a business seeking support to develop a current member of staff)

Recruitment process

Llwyddo’n Lleol will recruit young people to take part in the programme and will pair young people with companies/establishments from the same field of work.

Or You, can actively recruit into the role or identify your own individuals.

How to apply?

This offer is time limited and can only support staff costs up to the end of February 2025.

For an informal discussion, please contact Ceri Davies, Llwyddo’n Lleol officer for Carmarthenshire Ceri Davies [email protected]

Applications must be submitted by Friday, October 11 to be considered.