In recent months, Welsh figures, external suggested the proportion of young people in Wales who are not in education, employment, or training (Neet) had risen sharply.
They increased to 17% and returned to levels last seen around 2013, according to Welsh government figures.
Cian Halliday, 26, a carpenter from Llanrug, had been made redundant during the Covid-19 pandemic, something he said had been “difficult, and a struggle”.
“Academi Adra were offering courses, and almost 16 weeks of work experience and at the end they decided to keep me on as a labourer. I did that for a year,” he said.
“Then they offered me an apprenticeship and I chose to be a carpenter.”
He said that being made redundant had been very tough.
“It was difficult, and a struggle to find work, so I decided, the minute this opportunity came up, to start a new job.”
While looking for work, Cian said there had not been enough opportunities for young people like him.
“I was happy enough to change careers. I jumped at the opportunity and never looked back,” he said.
