Member Article

Job boost for Teesside young offenders

A programme to help young offenders find a career is being launched on Teesside today. Four Tees Valley Youth Offending Services and staff at Pertemps Employment Alliance (PEA) have teamed up on the new initiative, called ‘It’s Going To Work’ (IGTW). The programme, aimed at unemployed 16- to 19-year-olds, accepts referrals from all four youth offending services in the Tees Valley - including Stockton, Darlington, Hartlepool, and South Tees (Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland). It is designed to provide essential life skills, qualifications and career direction.

42 young offenders from across Tees Valley have gained qualifications since the programme began in February. Of these, nine have moved into employment, 13 have started college, and eight have accessed training.

The achievements have overwhelmed Craig Chappell, the project co-ordinator: “It’s been inspiring to see so many do so well. After undergoing the four week course we have seen young people move into a wide range of training programmes as well as into work. We are waiting to hear the outcome of 25 applications for local colleges. “The majority of the teens who access the course want trade-based training but are not academically minded and prefer practical learning. We would love employers to approach us and give these young people a chance in life. They are well prepared for work by the time they have completed the personal development programme and want opportunities as much as anyone.”

The programme is funded by the Learning Skills Council and European Social Fund and run in groups which last for one month. It includes confidence building, teamwork, job search, motivation, communication and career focus. In the final week, the young people work with an employment coach and search for suitable jobs and training providers to match their aspirations.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .