Major event will tackle rising youth unemployment in region

Organised by the Ryedale Work and Skills Partnership, the event, which takes place in Pickering next month, will see local businesses offer advice to students from four schools in a bid to flag up vital career opportunities.

It comes as young people in the region face a major battle to secure employment as the country gears up for a double dip recession.

And with jobs in rural parts of North Yorkshire on increasingly on the wane, the event is seen as a major boost for students facing the tough battle to climb the career ladder.

Coun Keith Knaggs, the leader of Ryedale District Council, said: “Every discussion with business people in Ryedale reverts to skills, apprenticeships and employment for young people. This is the council’s flagship event, helped by our valuable partners, in trying to provide opportunity for all, at a time when it’s most needed.”

Politicians in Yorkshire have stressed that every effort needs to be made to ensure that there is adequate support for unemployed people living in rural parts of the region.

The event is one of many that are set to take place across North Yorkshire as the ailing economy continues to tighten its grip on jobseekers.

North Yorkshire County Council’s executive member for rural services and economic development, Coun Clare Wood told the Yorkshire Post earlier this year: “We do need to make sure that we provide as much support as possible to people who are looking for work in countryside communities. We do not want people to feel trapped in their own homes, and they need to know that there is help out there for them.”

The event on November 3 will see businesses hand out a series of booklets to the students, who range from Year 9 to sixth form, giving details of each company. The youngsters will spend time at each stand during their visit to ensure they benefit as much as possible from the day.

Ben Leach, managing director, from Swinton Technology, said: “We consider that the availability of suitable apprentices is fundamental to us achieving our strategic growth objectives and hence we are delighted to be participating in this event as it enables us to make students aware of varied career opportunities available to them in their local community.”

The range of businesses taking part include Feversham Arms, Ryedale Folk Museum, Micro Metalsmiths, North Yorkshire County Council and Jobcentre Plus.

Supported by the North Yorkshire Community Fund, the one day event at Pickering Memorial Hall is being organised by a team led by Ryedale District Council, NYBEP Ltd and Derwent Training.

Meanwhile, City of York Council is supporting a drop-in event this month, advising 14 to 16-year-olds of their options and opportunities.

To help guide young people and their parents and carers through the myriad of courses, qualifications and training programmes on offer, the council is working with the City of York 14–19 Partnership, to provide a drop-in event at York Racecourse next Wednesday.

In a similar vein to the Ryedale event, it will offer youngsters the chance to hear about the experiences and challenges current students have dealt with and to attend a series of presentations on higher education and apprenticeships.

Coun Ruth Potter, cabinet member for education, children and young people’s service at York Council, said: “The recent 2011 results confirm that York learners have access to exceptionally good provision in local schools and colleges. This event will allow parents and young people to fully explore the options available.”

A focus will be placed on raising the participation age in 2015, which means students will have to take part in some form of education until they are 18 in line with new Government legislation.