Calls for more funding to keep youth employment projects going in the North East
Groundwork North East and Cumbria are backing Government plans to reduce youth unemployment
A charity that supports young people to get jobs across the North East and Teesside say they need more funding to keep their projects going.
Groundwork North East and Cumbria are backing Government plans to reduce youth unemployment which was announced last week.
Lisa Locke, director of business development, said: "For the past 30 years we've been working in the North East to focus on young people in communities who are most hit by unemployment, so it's a really welcome focus which aligns with what we're trying to achieve as a charity as well to inspire young people to have opportunities in life.
"There's a lot of young people who want to have some experience, some real hands-on experience; the job of going and getting paper around and earning your pocket money that way if you like, is non-existent now, so I do think it's important that we prepare young people for the working world.
"We work with schools, we work in community venues and we really tackle some of those issues that lead to unemployment. We work to inspire young people, we help build their confidence, we provide them with placement opportunities, give them that work experience of what employers might expect from them. It's very much about how can we work individually with that young person.
"We've delivered many different programmes across different funding streams. I think that's one of the things that often harbours our efforts is we know what works and we know the programmes, and how to work with the young people and how to get the best out of them and provide them with the best opportunities. But I think the real sort of harbouring is on our side to deliver that is the funding.
"Consistent funding is key and I know that comes with some difficulties but it's the environment that we work in sort of within the charity sector anyways so I think we're used to sort of reinventing those programmes to deliver what we know works best."
From 2028, 14 year-olds will be able to choose technical pathways alongside academic subjects.
Schools will offer skills and work experience tied to local jobs as part of plans to reduce youth unemployment.
Alan Milburn’s interim report warned that Britain is at risk of a “lost generation”, with over a million 16 to 24-year-olds now not in education, employment or training.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said:
“For too long in this country, students have been told that you must take the academic path to do well and to be respected. The whole school system has been built around it and that has let down young people seeking technical qualifications.
“I want an education system based on parity between academic and technical which gives all young people a clear path in life. From today, Britain will value the hard hat every bit as much as the graduation cap.
“In a fundamental change to the education system, we will introduce new technical education pathways from 14 – prestigious routes that will give students the chance to combine the core academic subjects with the skills, technical knowledge and experience they need to get quality, well-paid jobs where they live. My message to young people is this - whether you choose construction, coding or classics, or maths, manufacturing or mechanics, you’ll get the skills you need and be given the respect you deserve.
“Fixing the youth unemployment crisis in Britain will require a major shake-up in how we do things – and that’s what this government will do. I want to ensure that our education system leaves no dead ends for our young people. The changes we’re announcing today will just be the start of our work to restore opportunity and hope across the country.”
Education Secretary Lucy Powell said:
“Every young person should be able to see a route to success, whatever their talents or ambitions. That’s why today is so important. It marks the start of a real shared effort with employers, businesses, mayors and councils to design an education system that connects young people to jobs and careers in their local area.
“By offering high-quality technical and vocational education alongside academic achievement, we’ll give more young people the chance to leave education with the skills, confidence and opportunities they need to thrive in today’s economy and the careers of the future.
“The technological revolution we are living through should mean young people become the fresh lifeblood our economy needs to adapt and grow. I want to make sure this generation is able to seize that opportunity, whatever their background or postcode.”
Jambu Palaniappan CEO of Checkatrade said:
“This is a very welcome step. Checkatrade’s recent Backing Britain’s Tradespeople report shows nearly half of young people are now considering a career in the trades, with apprenticeships more appealing to under-25s than a university degree.
“That makes sense. As AI reshapes the office jobs market, a trade is one of the most secure bets a young person can make: you earn from day one, you gain a skill nobody can automate, and in most trades there’s a job waiting for you the moment you qualify. The appetite to embrace trade careers is there, and giving 14-year-olds earlier access to technical education and real employer contact is exactly how we close the gap between ambition and opportunity.
“We’re partnering with technical colleges to give learners a leg up in starting a business, and we’d be ready to work with schools, colleges and employers to build the ambitious routes this plan calls for.”
Find out more about Groundwork NE & Cumbria on their website.