NEW Jobs Growth Wales figures, showing the creation of 185 job opportunities in Ceredigion, have been welcomed by Mid and West Wales AM, Rebecca Evans.

A total of 169 of the 185 created have been filled.

Jobs Growth Wales is designed to tackle a key issue that young people face in their search for work - securing the relevant work experience employers require.

As well as creating job opportunities for unemployed young people, the posts created by Jobs Growth Wales are new positions, helping Welsh businesses to grow.

Mrs Evans said: “In today’s tough economic climate, jobs can be hard to come by for young people.

“In many instances jobs in rural areas are even harder to find, forcing many young people away to find work.

"These figures are encouraging for both young people in Ceredigion and also for businesses looking to grow. I hope that Jobs Growth Wales continues to go from strength to strength."

Deputy Minister for Skills, Ken Skates, added: “Jobs Growth Wales is one of the Welsh Government’s flagship programmes and it’s fantastic to see that it continues to go from strength to strength.

“It’s clear to see from the statistics Jobs Growth Wales is working and is making a real difference to young people's lives. Our absolute priority in these still challenging economic times is to stand up for the people of Wales, creating jobs and enabling growth."