Job chance for graduates helping to train the young

Announced by the Children's Workforce Development Council, it includes a graduate recruitment scheme for those who work with 13- to 19-year-olds (or 25-year-olds with a disability), plus funding for Foundation Degrees and Advanced Apprenticeships.

Officials say a number of trail-blazing local organisations in North Yorkshire are among only a handful from across the country to be delivering the new training.

They include York Council, and North Yorkshire Youth and Integrated Youth Support Services. Nationally, up to 500 people will be trained, including participants on advanced apprenticeships, foundation degrees and post-graduate qualifications.

Deirdre Quill, Director of Integrated Workforce at the CWDC, said: "The many different roles that make up the young people's workforce in North Yorkshire make an invaluable contribution to the lives of our nation's young people.

"Yet by building their distinct specialisms on a shared foundation of agreed skills and competences, they can make an even bigger difference.

"As well as helping create an even more skilled and confident workforce, establishing these new entry routes is an important step towards a greater unity." Another benefit was to prevent often vulnerable young people slipping through the system.

"In an age in which young people's lives are becoming increasingly complex, anything we can do to bring greater clarity and simplicity will make a crucial, positive difference to the current and future well-being of our young people," she added.

The graduate recruitment scheme will include four placements of six months each in different local young people's organisations.