Local employers urged to support programme to help young people ‘Progress’

Employers across Coventry and Warwickshire are being encouraged to help create the next generation of employment success stories by offering skills-sessions and job opportunities to young people enrolled on the youth programme, ‘Progress.'

The programme, which started in October 2016, aims to increase the number of businesses and organisations on board to help young people across the region receive first-hand experience of a work environment and help inspire and shape a positive work outlook.

Progress works with some of the most marginalised NEET (not in education, employment or training) 15-24-year-olds across Coventry and Warwickshire and those who are the furthest away from getting into work. It has been led by community charity Groundwork UK alongside a partnership of leading youth charities and local partners specialising in engaging young people.*

Graham Duxbury, CEO of Groundwork UK, said: “The vision and passion that young people bring to the table can help to inspire companies to embrace new ideas, technologies and help make positive, future-proof changes.

“We are keen for employers to get involved and help the young people on the programme to reach their true potential, as well as seeing the benefits that young people can also offer their business.”

The programme is designed to not only prepare young people for the world of work through skills-based and educational support, but increase the confidence, self-esteem and wellbeing of those enrolled on the programme to ensure that they have a positive attitude towards both work and life.

Graham added: “By joining forces and working closely with local employers and expert delivery partners, we can ensure that all young people who are enrolled with the programme will receive a unique, tailored programme of support that suits individual need and ultimately helps them to secure a future worth working for.”

For more information about how you can get involved through offering work taster sessions, skills sessions or job opportunities, please email progress@groundwork.org.uk for further information or visit: www.groundwork.org.uk/progress.

The Progress programme is part of Building Better Opportunities - a programme funded by the European Social Fund and the Big Lottery Fund to tackle poverty and social exclusion faced by the most disadvantaged people in England.

• Through a personalised plan of support, the Progress programme will support at least 840 NEET or at risk of NEET young people into or towards employment, training, or education by the end of December 2018.

• *Progress will be delivered by a partnership of leading youth charities and local partners specialising in engaging young people: Citizens Advice, Coventry City Council, Groundwork West Midlands, Heart of England Mencap, Hereward College, Motorvate UK, Positive Youth Foundation, Target Support for Young People (Warwickshire County Council), Team SpringBoard, The Learn2 Group, Valley House, Values Education For Life, Voluntary Action Coventry and Warwickshire Association of Youth Clubs.

Building Better Opportunities is also working across Coventry and Warwickshire to deliver:

• Breakthrough – a two year programme supporting people across Coventry and Warwickshire to improve their financial capability, overcome obstacles and develop their natural skills. http://www.bbobreakthrough.org.uk

• Accelerate – a free employability service for disadvantaged job seekers in Coventry and Warwickshire and provides local employers with access to a diverse pool of work-ready talent. www.accelerate.org.uk