Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic there has been a large increase in youth unemployment for young people aged 16-24. Unemployment for young people has increased by 66,000, a 13% increase compared to 12 months ago, to 14.2%.
Given the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, many young job seekers are experiencing challenges in finding a job and are at risk of becoming not in education, employment or training.
In July the Chancellor announced a significant expansion of Traineeships as part of his Summer Economic Update. The Plan for Jobs included a commitment to provide 20,000 new Traineeships to get young people aged 16 to 24 in England into work.
Looe based Whitehead-Ross Education is one of these organisations who is involved in delivering the Traineeships programme and is supporting young people aged 19 -24 back into work in Looe. Young people, aged 19-24, who are unsure of what to do next can sign up to this new 18 week programme and access:
- 70 hour voluntary work placement to gain experience.
- Functional Skills Maths & English, if they did not achieve GCSE English and Maths.
- Level 1 Award in Employability Skills.
- Digital Skills
- Dedicated tutor and staff for support and guidance.
- 2 week work placement in Malaga, Spain, with flights and accommodation paid for through Erasmus+.
Ian Ross, Managing Director at Whitehead-Ross Education, said:
“Traineeships are free to access and provide a great opportunity to prepare for work, with CV writing and what to expect in the workplace, along with a high-quality work placement. We are also excited to have funding for young people to spend 2 weeks on a placement in Malaga, Spain, when COVID restrictions ease.”