‘If you want positive change, help is available.’ The stories of two Cardiff residents show how tailored careers support can change your future

After an unexpected redundancy, 27-year-old Josh Poulton from Cardiff, sought a role where he could make a positive impact in the community. 

Josh’s search led him to Working Wales when his partner saw an advert for the ReAct+ scheme, which provides funding and career support. He was connected with careers adviser Linda Thomas.

Josh said: “Linda was really good at explaining how I could use the funding to my best advantage. She took the time to understand my situation and interests.

“I left the meeting feeling relieved and motivated. It was great to know that I was no longer out on my own.”

As Josh continued his job search and explored training opportunities, he secured a role at the Centre for Digital Public Services before using the ReAct+ funding.

Reflecting on his journey, Josh said: “Although I didn’t end up using the grant, talking about my career plans with Linda helped me focus and think about what I really wanted.

“I also received tips on how to present myself as a good applicant for jobs in the public sector. It was almost like a blessing in disguise.

“I feel very optimistic about where I am, and I am grateful I’m in this position.

“When you are out of a job, it’s stressful, and making a change by yourself is difficult. Getting support and career advice from Working Wales is like having a safety net. If you want positive change, help is available.”

Josh’s success is just one example of how Working Wales, funded by Welsh Government and delivered by Careers Wales, helps people take confident steps toward their futures. Over the past year, careers advisers like Linda supported over 31,000 adults and 5,000 young people across Wales, providing each customer with tailored career information advice and guidance.

Working Wales also organised or attended 276 recruitment events in partnership with employers across Wales. These events connected local job seekers with real opportunities and provided on-site guidance, from CV support to interview preparation, with positive outcomes for many participants.

“If you feel like you need that extra help then don’t be scared to ask.”

16-year-old Amelia Wynne from St Mellons in Cardiff left school in Year 10 due to difficulties she was facing, and attended Aspire, an off-site education provision.

As part of the educational offer at Aspire, Amelia was given support from careers adviser, Nick Sparrow.

During their sessions, Nick supported Amelia to explore her options, including potential colleges and courses, that aligned with her interests and ambitions.

At first Amelia considered her interest in health and beauty. As a fire cadet, Amelia was also interested in doing something related to this, but wasn’t sure how she could do it.

Amelia said: “Nick really helped me to unpick things. I wanted to find what I really wanted to do and not do something just for the sake of it and then give it up after a week.”

Amelia decided that the MPCT military preparation college was the best option for her.

She said: “I felt drawn to it because it was military based, and I’m interested in going into the fire service. So it’ll teach me things related to the fire service, police work, the military. I felt it was best suited for me.”

Nick helped Amelia with her CV and application for the college and she was accepted. After starting at MPCT Amela said: “It’s going really well. I’m still here enjoying it, so that’s a really good thing.

“I feel like if I didn’t have support from Nick, I wouldn’t even know about this college. I wouldn’t have been able to sort my CV or application as I felt clueless about things like that.

“It’s always good to have someone that’s there to help you, rather than struggling by yourself. If you feel like you need that extra help then don’t be scared to ask.”

Amelia’s story is an example of how Careers Wales helps young people take confident steps toward their futures. In schools, careers advisers like Nick held over 64,000 guidance sessions with young people, supporting over 40,000 pupils like Amelia to explore their career options.

Last year alone, over 400,000 individuals used the Careers Wales website, with nearly 145,000 accessing vital job information.

Across Wales, young people were equipped with the tools and experiences they need for life beyond the classroom. With over 2,000 career-planning sessions and over 1,600 employer-led activities—ranging from mock interviews to site visits—young people across Wales were introduced to opportunities that prepare them for life beyond school.

For careers advice, support and guidance visit the Careers Wales and Working Wales websites.  To read more stories like Josh and Amelia’s and learn more about Careers Wales’ work across the country, explore the latest Careers Wales annual report.

Image provided by Careers Wales