Suffolk employers urged to back young people's careers
A new scheme's been launched to help Suffolk's youngsters get on the career ladder.
Last updated 7th Jun 2021
Employers in Suffolk are being encouraged to get behind young people's efforts to get on the career ladder as part of a new scheme.
The £800,000 project aims to create more work-based opportunities for young people so they can learn the skills that local employers are looking for.
The Youth Pledge for Employers is a European Social Fund funded project, and asks small and medium enterprises to pledge their help.
Michael Gray, Head of Skills at Suffolk County Council said: "Businesses often tell us they want work-ready younger people to join their workforce. This project gives businesses the chance to offer insight, inspiration and opportunities to the younger generation.
"We want to create an environment where school leavers feel energised to learn the skills our local workforces need, and for young people to take the first steps towards a career that they will enjoy and find fulfilling."
Employers can get involved with the Youth Pledge at a range of different levels, from something as simple as pledging to provide an hour's talk or a site visit, right the way through to offering an apprenticeship or a job.
To get the Youth Pledge project underway, the team are looking for businesses interested in hosting work inspiration events, such as giving a talk, or hosting a virtual tour of a workplace for young people in their local area.
The two-year project is being run as partnership between Norfolk and Suffolk County Council's, and The Mason Trust, with support from the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership.