Customized job initiative pioneering its way into the professional world
The Welsh Government's Minister for Skills, Jack Sargeant, and the UK Government's Under-Secretary of State for Wales Office, Anna McMorrin, recently visited Ebbw Vale to mark the launch of the second Wales 'trailblazer' area. This initiative is part of the UK Government's wider £240 million 'Get Britain Working' reforms, aimed at transforming job centres, guaranteeing young people the chance to earn or learn, and providing mental health support.
Blaenau Gwent Council, as a Marmot Council, is committed to tackling inequalities and promoting fair employment to build healthier, more sustainable communities. The Trailblazer programme, funded by the UK Government, targets economically inactive people of working age who are disabled and/or have health conditions, or caring responsibilities.
The Trailblazer projects in Blaenau Gwent showcase innovative solutions supporting people with barriers to employment. The programme provides tailored interventions including one-to-one mentoring, counselling services, wellbeing provision, and specialist support for those with health conditions.
One of the key initiatives in Ebbw Vale is the Breaking Barriers project, which works with the traveller community, and the Blaenau Gwent Rangers project, which offers green skills training. Health and wellbeing initiatives are also delivered in partnership with Aneurin Bevan Health Board.
Minister for Skills, Jack Sargeant, stated that the trailblazer scheme creates truly integrated services that recognize good work as fundamental to wellbeing. The Trailblazer programme in Blaenau Gwent is expanding, demonstrating a collaborative approach between the UK and Welsh Governments.
The £10 million investment scheme is part of the UK Government's Get Britain Working initiative, targeting areas with the highest levels of economic inactivity. This funding for a second year of the programme has been confirmed, with up to £10 million approved for 2026 to 2027.
The Trailblazer programme in Wales covers three areas: Blaenau Gwent, Denbighshire, and Neath Port Talbot, allowing local leaders to design employment support schemes tailored to their community's unique challenges. The Welsh Government has granted the commitment for a second year of the Trailblazer program, with funding approved for the period from 2026 to 2027.
The UK Government is committed to helping as many people as possible into work, believing that work improves people's lives by providing financial independence and improving wellbeing. The Trailblazer projects in Blaenau Gwent aim to rebuild confidence, improve wellbeing, and provide the skills and support people need to thrive.
The approach taken by the trailblazer scheme builds on the success of the Young Person's Guarantee, which already provides support for young people to gain skills or get into work. The Trailblazer programme in Ebbw Vale includes localised support such as the Breaking Barriers project, the Blaenau Gwent Rangers project, and health and wellbeing initiatives delivered in partnership with Aneurin Bevan Health Board.
