£3m announced in Budget to help young people in Plymouth into defence jobs
The funding was announced by the chancellor in his Budget
Young people in Plymouth are set to benefit from £3m of government funding to help them into the city's defence industry.
The Government announced the money in its Budget today (29 October).
Plymouth City Council say it will be delivered through Team Plymouth, the city's public-private partnership focused on turning economic growth into opportunities for local people.
What the money would do
The city council say the money recognises Plymouth's unique position at the heart of the UK's defence sector and will help connect more young people who are not in education, employment or training with opportunities being created through major defence investment in the city.
Why the funding is needed
The announcement follows Plymouth's place-based business case, which was led by the Treasury and Team Plymouth.
Research shows the city will need around 25,000 additional workers by 2035.
Thousands of new jobs are also expected across defence, engineering, advanced manufacturing and marine industries in the years ahead.
Reaction
Councillor Tudor Evans OBE, leader of Plymouth City Council, said: "This is fantastic news for Plymouth and a major vote of confidence in the work of Team Plymouth.
"Our city is seeing once-in-a-generation investment in defence, marine autonomy and advanced manufacturing, creating thousands of future employment opportunities. With Devonport Naval Base and major employers such as Babcock at the heart of Plymouth's defence economy, we must ensure that local people are ready to benefit from that growth.
"We know employers need skilled workers and that Plymouth will need around 25,000 additional workers by 2035. Subject to the business case, this funding will help young people who are not currently in education, employment or training gain the skills, confidence and support they need to access the new jobs being created.
"By bringing together employers, education providers, skills partners and support services, we can help more young people who are currently not in education, employment or training gain the confidence, skills and opportunities they need to build successful careers.
"Team Plymouth has always championed inclusive growth. This investment will help ensure local people benefit from defence-led growth while giving employers access to the workforce they need for the future."
Work already under way
The funding builds on the work of Team Plymouth's NEET Taskforce.
The taskforce was set up to develop a city-wide ambition that every young person under 25 who is not in education, employment or training is offered a meaningful opportunity.
That could be a job, apprenticeship, internship, supported placement, training programme or route back into education.
Further details of the pilot and how the money will be allocated will be developed with partners and employers over the coming months.