A Welsh startup called Darogan Talent is working to slow the so-called “brain drain” of Welsh graduates who seek higher-paying jobs outside of Wales. Despite higher average wages in London, the cost of living is also significantly higher, which means that young people may actually be better off in Cardiff. Darogan has found that a lack of information about job opportunities in Wales has contributed to the exodus of young people.
According to one of the founders of Darogan Talent, Owain James, “there is a lot that pulls [students] back as a family…language and various other things.” In addition to these factors, there has been a lack of high-paying and diverse jobs in Wales as well as a shortage of affordable housing. Despite the challenges, there are plenty of young people interested in coming back to Wales, and Darogan Talent is working to bridge the gap between Welsh graduates and jobs in their field.
Conservative Member of the Senedd for West Carmarthen and South Pembroke, Samuel Kurtz, believes that the loss of young people is concerning, particularly in areas where the population is aging. While some young people benefit from leaving Wales and gaining skills and experiences elsewhere, there must also be something to draw them back to Wales and contribute to life there. To this end, Kurtz would like to see investment from the Welsh government in an industry that gives young people in Wales skills for the future.
The Welsh government is also doing its part to support young people in Wales. It is working to create better jobs and increase skills to support businesses in the face of a difficult economic context. The government is also tackling the issue of second homes in Wales, which can negatively impact communities and their sustainability. Additionally, a record level of investment has been made to support the goal of delivering 20,000 additional homes for rent in the social sector during this government term.
Despite the challenges of retaining young people in Wales, the efforts of organizations like Darogan Talent and the Welsh government’s commitment to supporting young people demonstrate a willingness to invest in the future of Wales. Through targeted investments in industries that offer high-paying and diverse jobs, as well as efforts to increase affordable housing options, Wales may be able to retain more of its young talent and prevent the brain drain from continuing
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