More than 1,000 young people sign up to take on Trailblazer challenge
EMPLOYMENT
WORK-
Setting the scene- young people undertake pre-placement training at Stockton-on-Tees Employment and Training Hub.
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More than 1,000 young people sign up to take on Trailblazer challenge
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landmark training and employment programme to unlock the potential of our young people has hit the ground running – with more than 1,000 already signed up to take on placements.
Along with the young people, 250 businesses have expressed an interest in joining the new UK Youth Guarantee Trailblazer.
By providing up to £ 5m to support youth employment, the programme offers highquality paid work placements and non-paid work taster sessions for young people aged 18-21 across the region who are not in work, education or training.
Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen said:“ This programme is absolutely vital in giving our young people the skills and opportunities they need to build great careers right here in Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.
“ But we can’ t do it alone and we need the backing of our fantastic local businesses. Their involvement will make sure this Trailblazer delivers real results and sets our young people on the right path.
“ And it’ s not just about supporting the next generation – our firms will also gain massively by developing fresh talent, bringing in the ideas, drive and innovation that will help take their companies to the next level.”
Young people have attended preplacement training sessions at the Stocktonon-Tees Employment and Training Hub ahead of going to placements at a wide range of the region’ s companies.
Councillor Lisa Evans, leader of Stocktonon-Tees Borough Council and TVCA cabinet member for employment, education and skills, was on hand to see Stockton-on-Tees young people take on initial training before setting out on their Trailblazer placements.
Cllr Evans said:“ It’ s great to see this scheme getting underway. Having no or little work experience can be a big barrier to entering work or higher-level education and training, and it’ s something we hear time and again from our young people.
“ This is giving our young people good quality workplace experience through paid placements with flexibility and tasters too. It’ s also offering businesses the support, guidance and equipment they need to provide these placements and reap longterm benefits.
“ By taking on these opportunities, we hope this gives our young people the confidence and the skills they need to really unlock their potential to find a career which suits them.”
More young people are now being encouraged to sign up to the scheme, and local businesses are being offered paid support to provide placements, which are critical in tackling a lack of work experience – often a barrier to employment.
Robyn Bulmer, from Norton, found out about the scheme after visiting the hub to hunt a route into the world of work.
The 18-year-old said:“ I was wanting to know if someone would be able to help me find an apprenticeship or something in business.
“ Sophie from the Hub was telling me about the opportunities to get a placement.
I heard about the six months( placement) and thought,‘ I’ m definitely doing that’.”
Lewis Gray, 21, is looking to go into the IT sector and explained how the early sessions had helped him see his strengths and open doors.
He said:“ It’ s important because it’ s better to do something where you know you’ re going to get something out of it at the end.
“ A paid placement is more appetising and attractive.”
Tees Valley is one of eight UK locations selected to pilot the Trailblazer Challenge, which is a UK government-funded programme.
It includes:
> Structured, paid work placements for three or six months to gain the right experiences and skills needed for job and training opportunities.
> Grants to help with the purchase of IT equipment, internet connection and additional training and qualifications may also be available.
> A dedicated key worker providing preplacement support and help to access education and training opportunities.
> Quick and flexible unpaid work taster sessions to allow young people to explore their job options.
For young people wanting more information on the programme and to sign up, visit teesvalley-ca. gov. uk / work / youth-guarantee /
For businesses wanting more information and to sign up to provide a placement, visit teesvalley-ca. gov. uk / business / youth-guarantee-trailblazer /
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