Scheme launched to boost youth business

Barnsley Council is poised to sign a contract with the Government’s department for Communities and Local Government to accept European funding for the “Enterprising Young People” scheme.

Coun Tim Cheetham, spokesman for children on Barnsley Council, said: “This project aims to develop the ideas of young people in Barnsley so that they may start and sustain their own businesses.

“Going into business for themselves needs to be just as open a route for young people as higher education or employment options.”

A spokesman for Barnsley Council added: “Given the lack of employment opportunities for young people in Barnsley, members were informed that it is vital that, as part of raising participation and reducing youth unemployment, the borough grows the opportunities for self employment or business start-up as a legitimate progression pathway for young people.

“The project will employ a project manager, a support officer and five ‘enterprise champions’ whose support to young entrepreneurs will be through transfer of knowledge relating to the processes of business planning and enterprise development.

“In addition, it will provide a work placement for one apprentice per year.”

Enterprising Young People is set to cost around £1m, with £586,000 coming from the European Regional Development Fund.

Meanwhile, two Sheffield-based apprentices have been hired to work on a £6.5m residential development on the city’s Arbourthorne estate, as part of a scheme to provide job opportunities to the unemployed. Callan Woodhead, 17 and Matt Neely, 21 have now started their two-year apprenticeship posts with regeneration firm Keepmoat.