Partnership programme to boost youth job prospects

Learning Partnerships is joining forces with Leeds Council, Jobcentre Plus, Leeds City College and other post 16 learning providers to offer a programme to improve the employability of young people who are not in employment, education or training (NEET).

The established Leeds-based education charity works with children, young people and their families in some of the most deprived areas of the city.

Through its “YOUth Inspire” project, Learning Partnerships will deliver a programme of skills training and work experience tailored to meet the needs of each young person on the scheme.

Leeds Council is investing over £400,000, which will be matched by funds from the Skills Funding Agency, into the project which will see 580 young people, aged 16 to 24 years old, get access to the support and skills training they need to help them to secure a job, apprenticeship or further work-related training.

Councillor Peter Gruen, Leeds Council’s executive member responsible for environments and neighbourhoods, said: “This partnership will mean we can deliver tailored training and support to both maximise the young people’s potential, as well as their local employment opportunities by working directly with major employers to help fulfil their recruitment needs.

“Doing whatever we can to help young people get into employment is so important at this time of economic uncertainty when unemployment is so high and so many young people are struggling to find work or stay in education.

“If we can equip 580 young people with the skills needed to get them a job and off benefits, not only will the long-term effect on the city’s economy be immense, their individual future prospects will also improve no end.”

The young people will undertake an eight-week programme which will be individually tailored to address any gaps in employability skills and work experience.

Accredited training will cover essential skills for work including literacy, language, numeracy and first aid. Practical assistance will also be provided to help people attend training and work experience placements.