Young people aged 18-24 now make up nearly a third of all West of England claims for job seekers allowance (29.6%), giving added urgency to a Backing Young Bristol campaign supported by The West of England Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and the Bristol Partnership.
A special launch event is to be held next Wednesday (March 21) at Bristol Zoo Gardens when employers will be asked to sign a pledge of support for the campaign. Speakers will include Colin Skellett, Chair of the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership; successful entrepreneur, Rob Law, creator of Trunki; and John Chudley, National Apprenticeship Service Divisional Director, South.
Colin Skellett, said: “This is our chance to work together to create a workforce for the future, to meet the needs of businesses and other employers. We must get young people working, so they develop the skills and experience necessary to ensure our economy continues to thrive.”
Nationally, more than a million young people aged 18 to 24 are now unemployed. Until now, the West of England area has fared better than much of the rest of the country, but unemployment rates for young people are rising sharply. From January to December 2011, youth unemployment rose by 13% for the whole of England, but by 29% in the West of England.
LEP skills director David Draycott said: “Youth unemployment is a real challenge, but employers can make a difference. We’ve identified a range of practical steps organisations can take, from offering a young person a work experience placement to working with suppliers and partners to raise awareness of the challenges young people face, and publicising success.
Bristol City Council leader Barbara Janke, said: “Young people really are the future of our economy and by offering a work experience placement or apprenticeship employers can make a difference and help get youngsters into jobs.”
What can employers do?
- offer apprenticeships, work experience, work tasters and employment opportunities to unemployed young people
- encourage your organisation’s supplier’s, sub-contractors, partners and networks to do the same
- raise awareness of the challenges facing young people, the rewards and benefits of training and employing a young person, and publicising success stories
- The event starts at 4.30pm. If you wish to attend contact the campaign team by emailing: byb@bristol.gov.uk
