By James Loveridge, Employability Officer

I’m James, I have been tasked to give you that real life… boots on the ground experience through the eyes of an Employability Officer at Itec Skills and Employment.

As an Employability Officer working across South Wales, I have the privilege of supporting young people as they take their first steps into the world of work. Every day, I meet talented, motivated young people who want to succeed. However, talent alone is not always enough. For many young people, the difference between success and stagnation really does boil down to opportunity.

There are countless amazing young people eager to enter the workplace, but it simply doesn’t happen without employers who are willing to look beyond a CV and recognise the potential within the next generation.

Across the four areas I support, there are so many success stories that it would be impossible to highlight them all in this single article. Currently, I am actively working with more than 80 young people placed with employers, helping them find their purpose, develop their skills and translate those experiences into positive outcomes, whether that be employment, apprenticeships or further education.

Each journey is truly different and that is exactly what effective employability programmes are all about. Individualisation and co-operation both from the provider, learner and employer.

Employability support should never be about boxing people in or expecting everyone to follow the same path. Every young person has their own story, aspirations, strengths and barriers. What works for one individual may not work for another. Quite simply put, not every shoe will fit.

Last week alone, several young people took the leap into their very first work placements.

One of those learners was Jacob who recently started a placement with Eurosec . Entering a niche industry can be daunting, particularly for someone with little to no previous experience. However, Jacob has approached the opportunity with positivity and conviction, receiving nothing but positive feedback during his first week. By opening their doors to a young person, EuroSec are not only providing valuable skills and experience, but are also investing in talent that has the potential to grow and progress internally within an expanding business.

Let’s also talk about young people such as Ella and Sophia, who have successfully progressed into employment with Building Foundations. Their achievements are a direct result of their hard work, determination and commitment throughout both their work placements and centre-based learning. By continuing to upskill themselves and remaining motivated throughout their journey, they have ultimately achieved positive employment outcomes in a supported setting that will only continue to develop them.

For other young people, employment is about more than simply securing a job; it is about finding purpose. Aysha’s progression into Employment at Frederick House within the Health and Social Care industry is a fantastic example of this. She has entered an industry where supporting and giving back to others aligns perfectly with her personal aspirations and values.

However, not every journey follows a straight line, and that is okay.

Recently, a young person from our Pontypridd centre began a placement within construction, believing it was the career path they wanted to pursue. After spending a few days on site, they quickly realised that construction was not for them. Some may view this as a setback, but I see it differently. They learned something invaluable about themselves and can now make more informed decisions about their future. He would not have been able to realise this within being given the opportunity to do so. As a placement partner or employer I feel this needs to be highlighted. Not every young person will fit that metaphorical shoe, but what you have done is been a major factor in someone’s development – Be proud of this regardless.

Changing direction is okay. Exploring different career paths is okay. Getting it wrong is part of the process.

What is important is not giving up.

“(Yes all of this was within a week & yes this isn’t the half of it & yes, I also don’t know where I find the time either!)”

My own personal journey reflects this. Like many young people – aged 16, fresh out of school… my journey originates with a training provider. It is safe to say… I did not get it right the first time… I burnt bridges, I lacked commitment, I had a change of heart; but what I did accrue was time spent within an industry, my first real workday, the building blocks to something more. Careers are rarely linear and success is not about making the perfect decision at the first opportunity. It is about continuing to learn, adapt and persevere until you find the path that is right for you.

“I found my path helping those find theirs. From a young person with severe confidence issues to attending a work placement at an IT shop, to years spent in a factory, to leading teams, to giving talks, to traveling South Wales helping develop the next generation… that path is never linear. My current journey is 13 years in the making from a single day where I entered a training provider. The talent was always there, the only change was opportunity.” – James Loveridge

Young people bring enormous value to employers. They offer fresh perspectives, digital confidence, creativity and a different outlook on work and life. Having grown up alongside technology, many young people possess skills and adaptability that can provide real benefits to businesses.

Employers who engage with work-based placements and youth employment programmes are not simply supporting young people; they are investing in their future workforce and helping to shape the next generation of employees.

My message to employers is simple:

“look beyond experience and see the potential.”

Behind every young person is untapped talent waiting for an opportunity. By opening your doors, showing patience and investing time, you may not only change a young person’s life but also discover an invaluable member of your team.

As we celebrate Youth Employment Week, I encourage employers across Wales and beyond to recognise the immense potential within our young people and consider the role they can play in helping them take that crucial first step.

Build a better tomorrow, today. Invest in young people.