Let’s help more youngsters find work

More than 30 leading businesses and 12,000 young people will be at the forefront of boosting work experience for young people in the UK under a new Government campaign launched last week.

According to research, two thirds of employers say that work experience is a crucial factor when hiring staff – more than those who prioritise academic qualifications.

Today Amanda Jakeman, Jobcentre manager for Preston and surrounding districts, urged employers to get behind the new voluntary work experience scheme.

She said more and more young people were getting back into work - and work experience was a vital tool in helping to get a foot on the ladder.

In Preston there are now 1,921 adults out of work, down seven per cent from a year ago.

In South Ribble that number is 864, down 10 per cent from a year ago.

In the 18 to 24 age category the figures are 489 in Preston and 254 in South Ribble.

Said Amanda: “I would urge all employers to get in touch with me.

“Work experience is vital for our young people – I would urge anyone with a social conscience to share the responsibility with us. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with me.”

Her mobile number is 07876 596250.

The jobs are still out there – in Preston there are 8,653 vacancies, and in South Ribble 2,325 vacancies

The Government scheme is called the WE can campaign, in which 84 ‘Youth Ambassadors’ from the Youth Experience UK will give advice on how others can set up their own work experience placements and make the most of their time in a business setting.

Companies backing the scheme include Bourne Leisure, Marks and Spencer, Halfords, Morrisons, Centrica, and Whitbread.

The new WE Can campaing will encourage them the chance to take “workies” – the work version of a selfie – to demonstrate to their friends at school, college and university how the new skills they have picked up during work experience has helped them.