Skills and Work Potential Gwynedd
Lead Organisation:
Cyngor Gwynedd
Area: All areas of Gwynedd
Investment Priority:
People and Skills
Investment: £1,005,187
What’s the background?
Skills and Work Potential Gwynedd is a programme run by Cyngor Gwynedd that supports people to find work and improve their skills. By offering training, advice and practical support, the programme works with people of all ages, as well as local employers and organisations, to create strong employment opportunities and help individuals reach their full potential.
The programme follows the “Employment Pathway” model, which includes five stages: engaging with people, helping individuals overcome personal barriers, offering vocational training, supporting people to search for work, and then helping them secure and sustain employment. This ensures that everyone receives the right support at the right time.
What was the support?
A programme made up of five work streams was put in place to support different groups across Gwynedd — from pupils facing difficulties, to young people aged 16–25, individuals with profound learning disabilities, workers needing to upskill, and businesses wanting to develop the skills of their workforce. Together, these work streams provided comprehensive support to help people and communities progress through employment.
What difference has this made?
The project succeeded in delivering a wide range of interventions across Gwynedd, working with partners, communities, employers and individuals to improve skills and employment opportunities.
- A career coordinator role was established for people with learning disabilities, creating a clear referral pathway into the service.
- Positive relationships were developed with employers across the county, creating volunteering and work‑experience opportunities in supermarkets, cafés and charity shops.
- 119 individuals with learning disabilities received support from employment officers, with 21 of them progressing towards employment.
- Individuals were supported to prepare CVs, practise interview skills and connect with employers, preventing job loss in at least two cases.
- A framework of external training providers was in place, and several businesses benefited from the Skills Improvement Grant to develop their workforce.
- A new process was established to allow Communities for Work Plus mentors to refer clients on for further support when moving into employment.
- There was collaboration between the education department and the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway to offer volunteering and work‑experience opportunities for young people.
Under the post‑16 element, activities were organised to improve wellbeing and reduce social isolation. These included a guided walk in Dyffryn Ardudwy, community sessions to plan a summer trip to Dublin, and a day visit designed to build confidence and life skills.
With Gobaith was commissioned to deliver the “5 Ways to Wellbeing” equine therapy programme, which led to volunteering opportunities for some participants.
A “Preparing for College” session was also held for young people about to start further education.
The project has succeeded in creating new partnerships and strengthening connections between partners, which has enabled us to ensure that individuals receive the right support to help them reach their potential.
The project has shown a significant impact on individuals and communities, strengthening pathways into employment and improving wellbeing across Gwynedd.
Discover inspiring stories from individuals who have benefited from the scheme:
Support for Schools – Music and Wellbeing Project, Ysgol y Moelwyn, Blaenau Ffestiniog
Five pupils from Ysgol y Moelwyn took part in a six‑week music project aimed at building confidence, improving communication skills and increasing motivation. One pupil received one‑to‑one sessions, while the other four took part as a group.
Although the group had previously played music together, they had lost some confidence due to personal circumstances and challenges in school. With the support of the project, the pupils had the opportunity to develop their musical and social skills, experiment with composition, express themselves confidently and collaborate creatively. Clear progress was seen in their confidence, creativity and willingness to share ideas.
The highlight of the project was the chance to record two songs in a professional studio using a multi‑track system. Feedback from the school and the pupils was extremely positive, reflecting clear progress between the start and end of the project, and showing a positive impact on the group’s overall emotional wellbeing.
The project demonstrates how music can be a powerful tool for building confidence, improving wellbeing and giving young people opportunities to express themselves.
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Support for Young People Aged 16–25
After receiving his diagnosis, Sion was referred to the Gwynedd Autism Team and then to Gwynedd Youth Service. Getting a job was important to him so that he could feel a sense of purpose and build his confidence. His youth worker spent time supporting him with his feelings and wellbeing, becoming a stable and trusted person in Sion’s life. He was also referred to community services and ICAN for additional mental‑health support.
Over time, Sion succeeded in securing a part‑time job, and his confidence and self‑worth grew. Soon afterwards, he progressed into full‑time work, which allowed him to afford running his car – something that mattered to him as he enjoys driving, discovering new places, and has a strong interest in nature.
While working full‑time, he set himself a new goal: to pass his HGV licence so he could work as a lorry driver. An appointment was arranged with Careers Wales, where he received advice on his options, and he was referred to the Personal Learning Allowance to complete the NEBOSH health and safety training. Sion was also referred to the Gwaith Gwynedd team and received a grant to help with the cost of obtaining his HGV licence. He has now passed the licence and is preparing for his Class 2 Diploma.
Sion feels very positive about the future and is looking forward to applying for HGV driving jobs. His story highlights the importance of the Youth Worker’s role – someone who provides wellbeing support, stability, and coordination between different agencies when needed.
Karen was referred to the Gwynedd Youth Service by her social worker from the After‑Care Team. Her school attendance had been low during her final years, and she was unsure about her next steps after leaving education.
Karen began working with her youth worker to set and achieve personal goals. A meeting was arranged with Careers Wales to give her clear and independent information about her options, and these were then discussed with her youth worker to help her make confident decisions.
Karen had a strong interest in animals and had previously owned a horse. Funding was used to commission WITH Gobaith to deliver an Equine Therapy course. Karen attended the course with support from her youth worker, and it gave her the opportunity to meet other young people in similar situations. It was a very positive experience for her—she made new friends and gained the confidence to take part in further group activities in a safe and supportive environment.
As a result of her commitment and enthusiasm for horses, Karen was offered the chance to volunteer weekly with WITH Gobaith. She is now working towards her BHS Stage 1 qualification in Horse Care, and since September she has also started a Step Up course at the local college. She attends college four days a week and continues to volunteer and study for her BHS course on the fifth day.
Support in Employment (Adults)
Donna was working part‑time in retail but was made redundant early in 2025. Having left school before turning 16, she had few formal qualifications, and her previous job had been seasonal work in the hospitality sector. After seeing a post from Gwaith Gwynedd about a free SIA course (a licence required for the security sector), she got in touch to ask for support.
At the first meeting, it became clear that Donna had strong customer‑service skills and a real desire to work in the security sector. However, without training or an SIA licence, she couldn’t progress. Gwaith Gwynedd arranged a support plan for her, including completing the online Safeguarding Essentials course to prepare her for SIA training.
By the second and third meetings, Donna was enthusiastic and had organised everything herself—time off work and transport to the training venue. She attended the course punctually every day and received excellent feedback from the training provider for her commitment and enthusiasm.
Donna completed her Safeguarding Essentials course and then passed the Level 2 BIIAB Door Supervisor qualification, including Emergency First Aid. As a result of her hard work, Donna has now been offered a job with a local security company.
Harry had worked in the hospitality industry for years but wanted to change his career and train as an electrician. Although he had secured a temporary work placement, he had no formal qualifications and needed to improve his GCSEs to progress. Having recently become a parent, he was determined to secure a more stable future and a better income.
Harry received a support plan from Gwaith Gwynedd and completed a short online course to strengthen his basic knowledge. Gwaith Gwynedd identified two suitable Electrical Engineering courses at the local college, and Harry contacted the college directly to register for an Electrical Engineering apprenticeship. He needed to improve his GCSE English, so with support from Gwaith Gwynedd he enrolled on an Essential Skills course with Adult Learning Wales.
Harry also received help to update his CV and send applications to construction businesses, and he succeeded in getting a job with a local electrical contractor, with the possibility of an apprenticeship after a trial period. Harry now feels closer to achieving his goal and more confident after completing the short course.
Adults with learning difficulties
John has moved from doing work experience in a café to securing a paid, 9‑hour‑a‑week job in a local café – and he’s doing exceptionally well. He is now confident with day‑to‑day tasks, including using the till, taking orders and cleaning.
The job has given him the chance to meet new customers and expand his social circle. John has also become more independent, and he now travels to work on the train by himself
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Mari has started working as a cleaner in a hotel. At first, there were some concerns about her understanding of the workplace rules and what was expected of her.
To support her, the Employment Opportunities Officer worked closely with Mari and the employer. They created a simple plan that set out her daily routine and the tasks she needed to complete. This made communication clearer and helped Mari feel more confident.
This support was very important in helping her keep her job, and it has been a success. Mari has now progressed to working in the bedrooms, where she is required to take on more responsibility and work more independently
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