With all eyes on the Autumn Statement last week - it was always set be a crucial one, coming as it does just six months ahead of the next General Election – I was particularly interested in the announcements that will generate growth and have the biggest impact on the jobs market.

Certainly pleasing to see announced was the promise of help for businesses that are creating skilled jobs through apprenticeships, especially young apprentices under the age of 25.

It is of course important to note that as apprenticeships are a devolved area for the Welsh Government, the announcement will not affect Wales at this current time as we have our own Department for Education and Skills.

Nevertheless, there have been very positive announcements made recently, with regards to the current status of one of the Welsh Government’s biggest success stories in relation to training- Jobs Growth Wales - the work-based learning programme, operated through Welsh Government and part-financed by the European Union Social Fund.

According to a recent speech made by Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, Julie James, the scheme has now created almost 16,500 job opportunities, with almost 13,500 young people filling these jobs.

From this it is clear to see that the Welsh Government’s budget focus on growth and jobs has made a real impact on our economy, especially for young people.

Creating a highly-skilled workforce is imperative to the future of the Welsh economy and this scheme has increasingly come to play an important part in this .

It is important to remember that not only does the scheme benefit young people by giving them much-needed experience; it also helps employers to develop their businesses. And it’s vital that businesses are able to grow while providing genuine opportunities for young people who are looking to make those all-important first steps in their careers.

The latest figures also show success rates for the continuity of the programme, with 83% of young people working in the private sector progressing into employment or further learning after completing their Jobs Growth Wales six month placements.

This goes to show that the scheme truly can work in the long term and become an even more integral part of WG’s employment strategy in the future.