Young people in Liverpool to be helped into work

MORE than 3,000 young people are set to be supported into work in Liverpool over the next three years.

A report to the Cabinet on Friday 24 October is recommending the council accepts a £5 million grant funded by the Government and the European Social Fund.

It is part of a wider £13.9 million Youth Employment Gateway Programme taking place across the City Region, targeted at 18-24 year olds who have been unemployed for between two and nine months.

They will receive support that is individually tailored and designed to help them get a job, with a team of eight staff working from adult learning venues across the city running work clubs and providing one to one guidance.

The aim is to make sure they have a good CV, the necessary skills to make online applications and enhanced interview skills. They will also have access to a personal coach who will help them achieve their ambitions and overcome any barriers.

Councillor Nick Small, Cabinet member for employment and skills, said: “The jobs market is more competitive than ever and it is absolutely vital we do all we can to support our young people to get on to the employment ladder.

“This scheme will make sure we provide the support that is right for each person to help them get into work and take the first steps towards achieving their dreams.”

The target is for 3,125 young people to access support, with 1,572 of them helped and supported directly into work and 1,106 achieving more than six months of employment.

The programme will run from autumn 2014 until 2017.