07 February 2012 02:03

Training

Training programme helps young people towards employment

A new project has been launched to help young people develop their leadership and employability skills in the tough economic climate.

An initial group of 25 youngsters will work towards nationally accredited awards in sports, arts and leadership as part of a 10-week Futures First programme. There will also be site visits to local training providers and colleges to highlight what else is available locally.

Those young people successfully completing the course will receive a work development bonus to help them with the next step towards securing employment or additional training. Once the pilot programme finishes in April, it is hoped a second group of 25 will start.

Futures First is being led by the award-winning Positive Futures programme with the county council’s children’s services, Barnardos and other organisations.

Councillor Mrs Patricia Bradwell, Executive Councillor for Children’s Services, said: “This is a tough time for young people trying to get a job or increase their skills and qualifications. Prospective employers are going to be looking even more closely at young peoples’ CVs to see why they should employ them and not someone else. Futures First is an excellent way to develop the skills and attributes of young people to help them give them an edge in the hunt for jobs.”

Positive Futures also offers young people the chance of work experience placements within its programme. Work experience can help young people develop a number of skills and it puts them in a real life situation that can help them decide if a work area is likely to be what they want.

For further information on the Futures First programme or work experience opportunities please contact Dave Sampher on 01522 691879.

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