Young people across Wales starting their first job are being offered new support to help them build confidence, protect their wellbeing and develop the skills needed to succeed in the workplace.

Healthy Working Wales has launched a new guide and free workshop sessions aimed at helping young people make the transition from education into employment.

The “Thriving at Work: A Young Person’s Guide” has been developed with input from young people and employers, reflecting the real experiences and challenges faced by those entering the workplace for the first time.

The guide offers practical advice on a range of topics, including communication, teamwork, workplace culture, building positive relationships with colleagues, understanding workplace rights and responsibilities, and looking after mental health and wellbeing.

It also focuses on helping young people build confidence and plan for their future careers.

The accompanying “Ready, Set, Thrive” workshops provide free sessions where young people in Wales can receive guidance and training from Workplace Health Advisers, while sharing experiences and learning alongside their peers.

Research included in the guide found that around 60 per cent of young people feel unprepared for employment, highlighting the need for practical support as they begin their working lives.

Oliver Williams, Consultant in Public Health and Healthy Working Wales Lead, said starting work is an important milestone that can bring both opportunities and challenges.

He said the aim was to ensure young people feel “confident, supported and ready to thrive” from their first day at work, with advice to help them understand expectations, protect their wellbeing and develop skills for the future.

The new resource is part of a wider series from Healthy Working Wales designed to support healthier workplaces for both employees and employers.

A second guide, “Supporting Young People at Work: An Employer’s Guide”, has also been launched, providing advice for organisations on how to support, engage and get the best from younger members of their workforce.

Both guides are now available through Healthy Working Wales, with bookings open for the free Ready, Set, Thrive workshops.