JOBS Growth Wales, which began in 2012, have filled a total of 14,340 job opportunities and created 17,139.

In the Vale of Glamorgan 454 job opportunities have been created with 441 job opportunities filled.

The flagship Welsh Government programme, which is backed by the European Social Fund, provides unemployed young people aged 16 to 24 with a job opportunity for six months.

Jobs Growth Wales helps employers to grow their business by paying the young person’s salary, with the hope they will progress into sustained employment.

Success rates continue to rise, with eight out of 10 young people working in the private sector progressing into employment or further learning after completing Jobs Growth Wales six month opportunities.