Paul Kift | Making Swansea a place where young people can thrive

Speaking at It’s Your Swansea 2026, Paul Kift called on educators, employers and community organisations to work together to give young people opportunity, confidence and connection. He challenged Swansea to listen to young people, open doors for them and make the city a place where they can choose to build their futures.

Willmott Dixon

Willmott Dixon supports young people into construction through work experience, trainee roles and activities with local schools. After a two-week placement visiting four sites across Wales, Swansea University student Maisie joined the company as Assistant Environmental Manager. Dan, also a Swansea University graduate, joined its three-year Management Trainee programme in September 2026.

The team introduces younger pupils to construction careers through events including CITB’s Women in Construction day, a Townhill community day and school careers fairs. Its work with Gower College Swansea has also led to four students completing placements this year.

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Redkite Solicitors

Redkite Solicitors offers work experience placements for young people aged 18 and over across its legal teams and central functions, including IT. Placements give participants a realistic insight into life at a law firm while helping them gain practical experience, build their CVs and grow in confidence.

Several former placement participants have gone on to secure permanent roles at Redkite. For others, the experience offers a clearer understanding of the different careers available within a law firm and skills they can take into their next opportunity.

Register your interest in future work experience

Acorn by Synergie

Acorn by Synergie is helping young people across South Wales explore career opportunities through practical insight, mentoring and connections with employers. Its recent work includes construction insight sessions at Bridgend College and an Onsite Hub with Bouygues UK in Rhoose.

The team has also seen a young person thrive in a new role at Willmott Dixon’s South Wales Police Tactical Training Facility. By introducing young people to employers and real workplaces, Acorn is helping them build confidence and find clearer routes into lasting employment.  Check out Acorn.

Romodels

Romodels helps young people see what their futures could look like by introducing them to inspiring people and the work they do. Through filmed interviews and classroom activities, pupils hear directly from role models across a range of careers and explore the skills, choices and experiences that shaped their journeys.

Working with schools across Wales, Romodels encourages children to ask questions, discover new possibilities and recognise their own potential. Romodels is looking for corporate partners across Wales to help bring more careers into the classroom and introduce pupils to opportunities they may never have considered.

Find out more about Romodels, or email Laura at Laura@romodels.org to discuss becoming a corporate partner.

Morgans Hotel

Morgans Hotel welcomes school groups around four times a year for complimentary visits that introduce pupils to the world of hospitality. Around 30 children at a time tour the hotel, meet the team and try hands-on activities, from making cookies with the chefs and mocktails with the Food & Beverage Managers to practising check-ins with reception.

The visits help young people discover the range of careers available in a hotel, including roles they might not usually see. One school described its Year 3 and 4 visit as “an exciting and enriching experience” that brought hospitality to life. Get in touch with Molly and the team to find out about how your school can visit Morgans.

Neurokind Careers and Inclusion CIC

Through its NeuroKind Futures programme, Neurokind Careers and Inclusion CIC helps neurodivergent young people recognise their strengths, build confidence and explore their future. Participants develop communication and teamwork skills, prepare for interviews and learn about the world of work in a supportive setting.

Neurokind is also launching NeuroHub, bringing together support across employability, training, additional learning needs and mental health. Families, carers, young people and community partners are welcome to meet the team and learn more at the launch on 17 October, 11am–3pm, at Mount Pleasant Business Centre, Swansea SA1 6ED. Get in touch with the team to find out more.

BexDex Refurbishment and Renovation

BexDex Refurbishment and Renovation is bringing together its founder’s experience in the trades and in community projects with young people. Alongside training apprentices, BexDex is developing practical decorating workshops, with the first planned for November.

The aim is to create hands-on opportunities for young people outside traditional education or employment routes, as well as women interested in entering the trades. By helping people build confidence and practical skills, BexDex hopes to address skills shortages and show participants what they are capable of achieving.

Find out more about BexDex on Facebook

MyRounders

MyRounders is creating opportunities for young people to gain experience and develop skills across different parts of the organisation. Its new Trainee Content Creator, Jack, will learn to use pitch-side filming equipment and take training courses to build his knowledge.

Four young people have also joined as Regional League Coordinators across South Wales. With training and guidance from the team, they will help set up and support leagues, players and umpires while developing their leadership, organisation and communication skills. Find out more.

Regional Learning and Skills Partnership

The Regional Learning and Skills Partnership recently worked with local businesses to deliver a careers fair at Cefn Hengoed Community School. Around 300 students explored career paths across the region, with interactive employer stands giving them the chance to try practical activities and learn what different roles involve.

The hands-on approach helped bring career options to life and gave students useful insight as they consider their next steps in education and employment. The partnership plans to hold more school careers fairs over the coming months.  Find out more.

Gower College Swansea: Design 48

Gower College Swansea’s annual Design 48 event connects art and design students with employers, artists and other creative professionals. Through talks, workshops and practical taster sessions, students can explore different creative careers, develop their skills and meet people working in the industry.

Developed by the College with Rachael Wheatley of Waters Creative, the event helps young people see the range of opportunities available to them in Wales and consider their next steps, whether that is further study or employment.

Find out more about Design 48

Moringa

Moringa director Ruth Visick-Evans has volunteered as a King’s Trust business mentor since October 2024 as part of the company’s commitment to providing pro bono support to charities.

Through the King’s Trust Enterprise Programme, Ruth mentors young people in Wales aged 18 to 30 who have started a business. Her support helps them navigate the challenges of running it and gives them a stronger chance of making it a success.

Find out more about the King’s Trust in Wales

A Touch Far Vetched

Swansea City fanzine A Touch Far Vetched has launched Mixtup Moolah to support Mixtup, a local charity working with young people aged 11 to 25 of mixed abilities. The campaign aims to raise at least £500 to help Mixtup provide activities where young people can flourish and grow.

Throughout the Swans’ Championship season, editor Nigel Davies is pledging £1 for every goal scored and every point earned, plus £5 for each Adam Idah goal. The campaign also aims to raise awareness of Mixtup’s work.

Support Mixtup Moolah

Cyfle Building Skills

Cyfle Building Skill’s Green Work Experience Programme gives young people across South Wales hands-on experience in low-carbon construction. So far, 170 learners have taken part, with more than 80% progressing into apprenticeships.

Participants receive accredited training, a two-week training allowance, PPE and toolkits to help them get started. One learner said the experience “helped me get an apprenticeship.” By connecting young people with employers and practical opportunities, the programme is helping build the skills needed for Wales’ greener future.  Find out more.

Andrew Scott Ltd

Andrew Scott Ltd is helping young people explore careers in construction through work experience and school activities. Its BOSS (Building Our Super Skills) week welcomed 14 Haverfordwest High School sixth form students to its Swansea head office for practical sessions, introductions to different departments and a visit to the live South Quay project in Pembrokeshire.

The team also delivered interactive STEM activities for Year 8 pupils at Ysgol Gymraeg Ystalyfera. During summer 2026, seven students from local schools gained experience across Andrew Scott’s offices and construction sites, helping them build confidence and consider their future career paths. Find out more.

Delta Hotels by Marriott Swansea

Delta Hotels by Marriott Swansea helps young people develop the skills, experience and confidence to take their next steps into work. In partnership with Careers Wales, the hotel provides year-long workplace placements for students seeking an alternative to a traditional academic route.

The team also supports career talks, mock interviews and work experience through Springboard’s Barclays Hospitality Employability into Work programme. Working with Gower College Swansea, the hotel offers placements for students with additional learning needs, including one that has led to a job at the hotel. Check out the hotel.

Alpha Safety Training

Alpha Safety Training supports young people at different stages of their education and careers. This summer, the team welcomed a Bishop Gore Comprehensive School student for work experience, offering an insight into the workplace and a chance to develop new skills.

Alpha also supports local primary schools each year through the 2B Enterprising programme and works with apprentices on CSCS cards, training and career development. Two members of its own team progressed through apprenticeship schemes. By attending college open days and employability events, Alpha shares its industry knowledge with young people considering their next steps. Find out more about Alpha Safety here.

John Weaver Contractors

John Weaver Contractors creates opportunities for young people to explore, enter and progress in construction. The team offers apprenticeships, mentoring and hands-on work experience, alongside school visits, careers advice and mock interviews.

Through initiatives such as Futurescape, John Weaver introduces pupils to the wide range of roles available across the industry. Its apprenticeship and management pathways then offer practical training and opportunities to build a long-term career. Together, these activities help young people in South West Wales develop skills, confidence and a clearer picture of their future. Get in touch!

Cwmbrogi

Cymbrogi’s Tomorrow’s Changemaker Programme links secondary schools across South West Wales with employers tackling real-world sustainability challenges. Businesses from sectors such as construction, food and tourism set design briefs, from planning the primary school of the future to creating a more sustainable school lunch. Learners work in teams to develop their ideas, then pitch them to business and community leaders at our inter-school Hackathon. Since our 2023 pilot the programme has grown every year, and we’re now adapting it for learners in a special school and a pupil referral unit, so every young person’s voice can help shape a sustainable future. If you are a business looking for a way to create impactful social value get in touch.