Young people from gypsy and traveller communities are to be given special training to help improve their skills and find employment. It is hoped that around 300 of them will gain qualifications as part of the #163;4.6 million initiative recently launched by the Assembly government.

The Pembrokeshire council-led project will target 11 to 19-year-olds from gypsy and traveller communities in Carmarthenshire, Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Merthyr Tydfil, Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen, who will receive tailored training and support in a variety of settings.

Leighton Andrews, the education minister, said the project will increase educational opportunities among gypsies and travellers and help them to achieve their potential.

“We are committed to ensuring that all communities in Wales are able to access education and succeed in gaining the skills needed to enter the workforce,” he said. DE.