An Ammanford apprenticeship programme is among eight schemes in Wales to win Welsh Government funding, it has been announced.

The new Foundational Economy Challenge Fund has been awarded to Cyfle Building Skills Ltd based in Ammanford's Coleg Sir Gar.

It will receive £86,500 to work with construction employers and provide opportunities for apprentices to receive valuable work experience placements throughout the industry.

Anthony Rees, regional manager of Cyfle Building Skills, said: "We are delighted to receive this funding, which will be of huge benefit to our young learners.

"We see this project as providing the crucial, first stepping stone for them into the world of work and the construction industry specifically. It will both develop their skills and employment prospects, and provide a boost to the industry at the same time."

First Minister Mark Drakeford and Deputy Minister for Economy Lee Waters made the announcement during a visit to University of Wales Trinity Saint David on Thursday, November 7.

They were met by catering staff who are part of a scheme being run by the Carmarthenshire Public Service Board, which is being awarded £100,000 to improve the procurement of local food from the area.

It is one of 52 experimental initiatives across Wales to receive a share of the £4.5m Foundational Economy Challenge Fund. The project will provide business opportunities for locally or regionally-based companies and bring environmental benefits by lowering food miles and associated carbon costs.

The Foundational Economy Challenge Fund aims to support a series of experimental projects which will enable the Welsh Government, with support from partners, to test how the foundational economy can best be supported.

Eight schemes in Mid and South West Wales will share almost £650,000 from the fund.

First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “The Foundational Economy Challenge Fund is all about making a real difference to people throughout Wales. It aims to drive prosperity across the nation and reach out to communities.

“As a government, we are committed to supporting all parts of Wales and help safeguard and create jobs and build the economic growth that we all want to see.”

Deputy Minister for Economy Lee Waters said: “Supporting the Foundational Economy is a key priority for the Welsh Government. This is a vitally important part of the economy which makes a big difference to the livelihoods of many people as well as our cities, towns and villages.

“The standard of applications throughout Wales has been so high that we have been able to treble the amount available from the fund to £4.5m, supporting 52 projects."

More information on the successful projects can be found on the Business Wales website: https://businesswales.gov.wales/foundational-economy