A new government scheme, launched by the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, will provide expert employment support to young people and enhance the LEP’s engagement activity with schools and businesses across Leeds City Region.
The new government scheme is part of the Jobcentre Plus Support for Schools initiative, which will see local Jobcentre Plus advisers offer 12 to 18 year old pupils insight into the world of work and advice on options like traineeships and apprenticeships.
The initiative will complement the LEP’s existing Enterprise Advisers programme, sponsored by the national Careers and Enterprise Company, which provides a link between business and schools to help the City Region’s young people make motivated and educated choices about their future. The programme supports experienced business leaders to share their insights and experience into the breadth of careers and vocational pathways available with schools across the region, as well as providing young people with the opportunity to gain the enterprising qualities needed in a fast growing economy.
The LEP is working in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to ensure the two programmes are fully integrated. This collaborative working will enhance opportunities for young people in schools across Leeds City Region to have access to good quality careers advice informed by the latest labour market intelligence, and make it easier for schools and colleges in the region to tap into appropriate employment support.
Enterprise Advisers are senior decision makers with strong links to business who have a passion for sharing their knowledge and experience with the next generation, ensuring our future labour market is equipped with the skills and expertise to succeed and that the City Region has the skills pipeline to support growth in of some of our strongest sectors. Over 100 business volunteers are now working with over a third of schools in Leeds City Region to guide them through a range of possible employer interactions and help create a strategy for careers, enterprise and employer engagement.
To find out more about the LEP’s Enterprise Adviser scheme visit; www.the-lep.com/what-we-do/skills/enterprise-advisers.
To read about the new government initiative, visit; www.gov.uk/government/news/jobcentre-plus-support-rolled-out-to-schools.
