Businesses in Carmarthenshire can now apply for financial support to create job opportunities for young people.

The Arfor Programme, through the Llwyddo'n Lleol initiative, is providing this assistance.

Eligible businesses can receive up to £6,000 to offer work placements or short-term employment.

This initiative has already benefited several young people in the area, including Megan Plumb from Ammanford.

Megan, who secured a placement with Menter Dinefwr, said: "The support from Llwyddo'n Lleol has enabled me to work through the medium of Welsh in my local area where I grew up and that has helped to develop my skills to continue in employment.

"The Mentro element has enabled me to offer a Modern Dance event for children and young people in the area through the medium of Welsh and also to raise awareness of Welsh music."

The scheme is looking for businesses or establishments that have valuable opportunities to offer to individuals or current staff members.

These businesses should operate mainly in Carmarthenshire and should be run in the medium of Welsh or at minimum provide an equal platform for both Welsh and English.

They should be able to offer work placements in innovative areas such as technology, science, digital marketing, renewable energy, and more.

They should also provide mentoring and training sessions to ensure the individuals benefit as much as possible from the partnership.

Financial support may also be given to businesses seeking to develop a current staff member.

Cllr Darren Price, leader of Carmarthenshire County Council, said: "Through our partnership with Arfor, I’m delighted to be able to offer this financial support to businesses in Carmarthenshire who are not only integral to our local economy, but also play a vital role in providing career prospects to our future generation and allowing our young people to build their futures here in Carmarthenshire."

Llwyddo’n Lleol will recruit young people to take part in the programme and will pair them with companies/establishments from the same field of work.

Alternatively, businesses can actively recruit into the role or identify their own individuals.

This offer is time-limited and can only support staff costs up to the end of February 2025.

For an informal discussion, businesses are encouraged to contact Ceri Davies, Llwyddo’n Lleol officer for Carmarthenshire, at ceri.davies@mentera.cymru.

Applications must be submitted by Friday, October 11 to be considered.

More information and the online application form can be found on the Llwyddo’n Lleol 2050 website.