Monmouthshire County Council is working closely with local schools, colleges, training providers and Careers Wales to ensure we know the ‘destination’ of all Year 11, 12 and 13 school leavers.

This initiative is part of the Welsh Government’s Youth Engagement and Progression Framework (YEPF), which aims to assist young people in successfully transitioning to education, employment, or training.

During October, residents may receive phone calls, emails, or home visits from the council’s Youth Employment & Skills team or Careers Wales officers. These contacts are nothing to worry about; they are simply part of our initiative to check in with young people and ensure they have the support they need.

We understand that this may be unexpected, and we want to reassure families that we intend to support, not intrude.

If a young person is already in education, employment or training, we’ll confirm they’re settled and happy. If they are not currently engaged in any of these, we can offer guidance and signposting to help them take their next steps.

This work is carried out by all local authorities in Wales and is vital in helping prevent young people from becoming Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET).

To further support this, the Youth Employment & Skills team will host drop-in sessions across the county for any young person who is unsure about their future or is not currently in education, employment, or training.

These sessions are informal, friendly, and designed to help young people explore their options and access support:

• Caldicot: Monday, 27 October 2025 – Caldicot Hub 10am – 3pm
• Monmouth: Tuesday, 28 October 2025 – Monmouth Hub 10am – 3pm
• Abergavenny: Tuesday, 28 October 2025 – Abergavenny Youth & Community Centre (next to the skate park) 10am – 3pm
• Chepstow: Wednesday, 29 October 2025 – Chepstow Hub 10am – 3pm

Councillor Laura Wright, Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, stated: “As a council, we aim to support the young people in our county even after they leave school. This national program will allow us to collect information that can help us plan our initiatives and organise the support that young people are looking for.

“Thank you to everyone who will engage with us over the next month.”

If you have any questions, please contact: Employmentskills@monmouthshire.gov.uk.

For more information about the Youth Engagement and Progression Framework, visit: www.gov.wales/youth-engagement-and-progression-framework-yepf-overview