A Guide to JGW+

of our learners feel supported with their learning goals, and making sure they achieve them.

ACT Learner Voice Survey 2021

16-19 years old?

What’s next for you?

You might be figuring out your next steps in education, searching for the right job opportunity or maybe you just need some support to get you there.

Our JGW+ programme can help!

“ACT was a really good experience, I saw progression in terms of my confidence and talking to others as well as my learning and the support was really good. I’m now going to do my Level 2.”

Megan Nedrud Level 1 Automotive Learner

What is JGW+?

In short, JGW+ is a training and development programme for 16–19 year olds like you, who need the skills, qualifications, and experience to get a job or get into further training.

But what does that really mean?

JGW+ means something different to everyone. Whether you’re unsure on what to do next, or you have a clear focus, it’s a unique programme tailored to you.

We have a dedicated team of Tutors, Learning Coaches, Support Assistants, and World of Work Coaches who will design a unique learning journey for you and your individual needs.

Looking to gain work experience?

Don’t know what to do next?

Want to earn some money?

Want to boost your confidence?

Want to try out different roles in different sectors?

Key Facts

Start date: Anytime

Duration: 6 weeks to 12 months depending on your needs

Eligibility: 16-19 yrs old, living in Wales, and currently not in full-time education or training

Looking to gain more qualifications?

Looking to get onto an Apprenticeship?

Want to get a job?

Need some career support and advice?

Earn: You will earn up to £60 per week*, receive a weekly meal allowance of up to £19.50 a week and support with travel expenses. *depending on your level of learning and hours

Qualification: Entry - Level 2

Why choose ACT?

Extra Fun

At ACT we’re all about having fun! It’s one of our core values, and that’s why we have developed a really exciting, and engaging JGW+ enrichment programme for our learners.

Our enrichment days are designed to ensure young people like you, have access to unique opportunities. Taking part in and engaging with charitable organisations and community groups such as Jamie’s Farm is an important part of our enrichment programme.

Our programme will provide you with the opportunity to take part in a variety of extra-curricular activities that will support your learning and will enhance your weekly learner timetable.

• Take part in innovative projects

• Enjoy first-hand experiences

• Engage with employers

• Connect with outside organisations

• Learn from industry specialists

• Attend group trips and outdoor activities

• Give back by volunteering

• Listen and learn from special guest speakers

We work with Jamie’s Farm – a brilliant registered charity – which supports young people just like you to thrive in school and at home by providing life-changing opportunities.

You’ll get to experience a real sense of community at Jamie’s, and the best bit is everything you get involved in, contributes to the running of the farm, so you get a real sense of achievement at the end of the day.

A trip to Jamie’s Farm is a real opportunity for you to focus on yourself, and take a much-needed break from the digital world.

‘Having fun in providing professional, safe, and friendly services’

One of ACT’s core values

Extra Support

During your time at ACT, our JGW+ Tutors will give you all the care, support, and guidance you need to work towards your JGW+ training. However, we also have a range of additional support to ensure you make the most of your time at ACT.

Safeguarding Officers and in-house Counsellors

Whether you’re struggling with your mental health, your learner journey or need support outside of ACT, our team are here for you. We will give you the time and space to talk privately about your troubles and support you finding a resolution.

Learning Coach

Similar to a sports coach, our Learning Coaches are there to give you more direction and support, particularly around your wellbeing.

World of Work Coach

Our World of Work Coaches are there to support you with all things relating to work and employment. Whether that is guiding you onto work experience or getting you ready for applications and interviews, they’ll be there every step of the way.

Support Assistants

This team works closely with Tutors, Learning Coaches and World of Work Coaches to ensure you are fully engaged in all areas of your learning plan. Support is tailored to you, and any additional needs you may have.

Learner Representative

We have a full-time Learner Representative who is there to represent our learners.

“It is important learners get the most from their experience, and if there is something they feel we can do to help, then I want to know. I want learners to feel they can give feedback and make suggestions and that we will listen and do all we can to make their experience the best.”

Lily Pandeles ACT Learner Representative

JGW+ Strands

We have three JGW+ strands that you start at and progress onto. Our Learning Coaches will determine which level is right for you and then develop an individual learning plan specifically for you and your needs.

KeyFact

Whilst you’re on the JGW+ programme, you’ll also build up annual leave each month without it affecting your training allowance.

1. Engagement Strand

This is an ideal starting point if you are not sure what you want to do or need some support understanding what your options are.

Your individual learning plan will include:

Centre-based learning opportunities

Short work trials with a range of employers in different sectors

A wide variety of enrichment opportunities including voluntary work, community projects, guest speakers, employer visits, enterprise activities, wellbeingfocused activities, trips and experiences

With this strand, we try to expose you to a wide range of engaging enrichment activities to help build your confidence. We feel it helps you discover what you like and what you are good at.

On this strand you will receive:

• A training allowance of up to £42 a week

• A meal allowance of up to £11.70 a week

• Support with travel costs

Once you’ve completed the Engagement strand you will progress to the Advancement strand.

2. Advancement Strand

If you already have a rough idea of what you want to do, or you have an interest in a particular career, then the Advancement strand is for you.

Your individual learning plan will include:

Your options are… One of our Level 1 qualifications Industry-focused work tasters and placements

A variety of relevant enrichment opportunities including voluntary work, community projects, guest speakers, employer visits, enterprise activities, wellbeing-focused activities and trips and experiences

On this strand of JGW+ you will receive:

• A training allowance of up to £60 a week

• A meal allowance of up to £19.50 a week

• Support with travel costs

Once you’ve completed the Advancement strand you will progress to the Employment strand.

%

of our learners progress into employment or further education.

3. Employment Strand

If you think you’re ready for full-time employment and want to get into work ASAP, then this is the strand for you. We will help you secure work placements where you can gain hands-on experience while you continue to gain the necessary training and learning.

Your individual learning plan will include:

Work-related preparation such as essential skills and what to expect when you get a job

Employability and work-related preparation

Employability sessions focussed on job search, job applications, and work-based behaviour

Interview technique training

Essential Skills qualifications

A variety of enrichment activities that focus on job coaching, assisted job search and wage subsidy, in-work mentoring, and employer liaison

On this strand of JGW+, you will receive:

• A training allowance of up to £60 a week whilst you are looking for a job

• A meal allowance of up to £19.50 a week

• Support with travel costs

When you get a job, instead of a training allowance you’ll earn a proper salary paid at least the National Minimum Wage.