For example, the Welsh Government leads the way in welcoming applications from individuals regardless of age; marriage (including equal/same sex marriage) and civil partnership; sexual orientation; sex, gender identity and expression; disability (whether they have an impairment or health condition); whether they are neurodivergent or use British Sign Language; race, religion or belief or pregnancy/maternity. Applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in it’s workforce such as Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic people, LGBTQ+ people and disabled people.
There is even a dedicated ‘student space’ website aimed at students, providing expert information and advice to help you through the challenges of student life.
There are many other organisations who offer similar assurances and details of some of those can be found here. But here is a starting point that will serve as a roadmap, connecting you to support networks designed to help you navigate any challenges you may face in the future.
A key concept to understand as you navigate this section of the e-Hub is that of intersectionality. This term, created by legal scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw, acknowledges the interplay of multiple elements of identity such as race, gender, sexuality and disability among others. Each one of us has a unique intersection of identities that influence our experiences, opportunities, and challenges. As students, you may identify with several groups mentioned in this report – for instance, you could be an international student with a disability, or a woman from an ethnic minority background. Embracing the intersectionality of your identity is not just about acknowledging these different aspects, but understanding how they shape your unique perspective and what you bring. Your multifaceted identity is an asset, not a hindrance, offering a rich, varied viewpoint that can greatly contribute to diversity and innovation in the workplace.
Don’t forget – Your university or college has so much experience so get in touch with them in the first instance for any help your need.
Disabled students
Disability Wales
This website provides information and support to disabled people in Wales. It includes information on benefits, services, and advocacy.
Diverse Cymru
A unique Welsh charity committed to supporting people faced with inequality and discrimination, including individuals with disabilities.
Leonard Cheshire Wales
This organisation provides services to disabled people, including care homes, supported living, and employment services.
Wales Council for Deaf People
Wales Council for Deaf People provides support and resources for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.
RNID
This website offers a range of services for individuals with hearing loss and tinnitus.
The Stroke Association Wales
You can find services for individuals and families after a stroke on this website.
RNIB Cymru
RNIB Cymru Supports individuals with sight loss, providing a variety of services including advice, support, and practical help.
Mental health resources
Mind Cymru
This website provides information and support to people with mental health conditions in Wales. It includes information on services, support groups, and advocacy.
Student Minds
This website provides information and support to students with mental health conditions in the UK. It includes information on services, support groups, and advocacy.
Neurodivergent students
Wales Dyslexia
This website provides information and support to people with dyslexia in Wales. It includes information on services, support groups, and advocacy.
ADHD Foundation
This website provides information and support to people with ADHD in the UK. It includes information on services, support groups, and advocacy.
National Autistic Society Wales
This website provides information and support to people with autism in Wales. It includes information on services, support groups, and advocacy.
Students who are estranged from their families
Stand Alone
This website provides information and support to people who are estranged from their families in the UK. It includes information on services, support groups, and advocacy.
Students who are care experienced
Voices from Care Cymru
Voices from Care Cymru provides information and support to people who have been in care in Wales. It includes information on services, support groups, and advocacy.
Become Charity
This charity provides information and support to people who have been in care in the UK. It includes information on services, support groups, and advocacy.
Barnardo’s Cymru
Barnardo’s offer a range of programmes for children in care, including employability skills training.
National Independent Visitor Network
Run by NYAS (National Youth Advocacy Service), this network supports children in care, including care leavers.
Students from Black, Asian, or ethnic minority backgrounds
Race Council Cymru
This website provides information and support to people from Black, Asian, or ethnic minority backgrounds in Wales. It includes information on services, support groups, and advocacy.
Ethnic Minorities & Youth Support Team Wales
This website provides information and support to people from Black, Asian, or ethnic minority backgrounds in Wales. It includes information on services, support groups, and advocacy.
Students with caring responsibilities, including parental responsibilities
Carers Trust Wales
This website provides information and support to carers in Wales. It includes information on services, support groups, and advocacy.
Gingerbread (for single parent families)
This website provides information and support to single parents in the UK. It includes information on services, support groups, and advocacy.
Students who are refugees or asylum seekers
Welsh Refugee Council
This website provides information and support to refugees and asylum seekers in Wales. It includes information on services, support groups, and advocacy.
Refugee Support Wales
This website provides information and support to refugees and asylum seekers in Wales. It includes information on services, support groups, and advocacy.
Students from an area of deprivation
Communities First
This website provides information and support to people from deprived areas in Wales. It includes information on services, support groups, and advocacy.
Citizens Advice Bureau Wales
This website provides information and support to people in Wales. It includes information on services, support groups, and advocacy.
Students from an area of low higher education participation
Reaching Wider in Wales
This website provides information and support to students from low-income families in Wales. It includes information on services, support groups, and advocacy.
Students from low-income families
Turn2us (Wales)
This website provides information and support to people from low-income families in Wales. It includes information on services, support groups, and advocacy.
Save the Children UK (Programs in Wales)
This website provides information and support to children in Wales. It includes information on services, support groups, and advocacy.
Students who are first in their family to attend university
National Education Opportunities Network (NEON)
This website provides information and support to students who are first in their family to attend university. It includes information on services, support groups, and advocacy.
Students who identify as LGBTQ+
Stonewall Cymru
This website provides information and support to LGBTQ+ people in Wales. It includes information on services, support groups, and advocacy.
Pride Cymru
This website provides information and support to LGBTQ+ people in Wales. It includes information on services, support groups, and advocacy.
Students from Gypsy or Traveller backgrounds
Travelling Ahead
This website provides information and support to Gypsy or Traveller people in the UK. It includes information on services, support groups, and advocacy.
Romani Cultural & Arts Company
This website provides information and support to Romani people in the UK. It includes information on services, support groups, and advocacy.
73% of Welsh business leaders believe that going to university enables graduates to build crucial transferable skills, framing universities as an essential training ground for Welsh industry, and across the UK; equipping the next generation with the skills to return UK PLC to growth
Case Study
UWTSD
In 2023, Hannah, a BA Design Craft student at UWTSD, started her professional journey with the Career Confident programme. Identifying as disabled and a carer, Hannah faced challenges in her pursuit of relevant work experience. Through the programme, she was introduced to the UWTSD Art After Dark initiative, where she gained hands-on experience in ceramics workshops, shadowing teaching teams, and assisting students.
Guided by her Project Officer and the results of an Employability Self-assessment, Hannah worked on her skills in job hunting, interview techniques, and workplace preparation. Recognising her potential, the Arts After Dark team offered Hannah the opportunity to lead a ceramics workshop, allowing her to apply her academic knowledge in a real-world setting.
The culmination of this support was evident in Hannah’s boosted confidence, her casual contract with the outreach team, and her growing professional network in the creative sector. Reflecting on her journey, Hannah’s supervisor, Amanda, praised her growth and the positive impact of the Career Confident programme, stating:
“Hannah’s confidence and leadership in sessions have been commendable. Her contributions to our outreach workshops have been invaluable.”
Diversity, equity and inclusion
Welsh language skills in the job market
