Borough council re-launches recession-busting scheme for young unemployed (From Redhill And Reigate Life)

Borough council re-launches recession-busting scheme for young unemployed

1:43pm Monday 16th January 2012 in Local News

Twenty-one young local people have been given a foot on the employment ladder with the re-launch of a recession-busting scheme.

Reigate and Banstead Borough Council launched its second Young Workers Scheme alongside Employment Minister, Chris Grayling MP.

The minister met some of the new recruits to the scheme on their first day of work.

The initiative offers them a six-month contract to work in a variety of council departments, including Human Resources, Housing, Environmental Health and Grounds Maintenance.

Mr Grayling also addressed local businesses and organisations at the launch event at Reigate Town Hall, speaking about youth employment in the current economic climate.

Since May, the council has recruited 41 young workers and the scheme is now set to continue as a rolling opportunity.

The initiative focuses on local 18 to 24-year-olds who have been out of work for six months or more, and equips them with the skills, confidence and experience needed for the jobs market.

The new recruits come from a variety of backgrounds, including graduates and the long-term unemployed.

Speaking on her first day, Katrina Bray, 23, from Merstham, who is working with the council's Parks Grounds Maintenance team, said: "I'm nervous but looking forward to meeting people and getting involved with the work.”

She said: “I did Habitat Management at Merrist Wood College and got experience at Horton Country Park, so I want to put my skills into practice and work outdoors."

Law graduate Glen Dhurowa, 23, from Redhill,who is working with the council's legal team, said: "I want to fulfil my dream of becoming a solicitor.

“I've had experience at different solicitor firms and was unemployed for 18 months.”

He said: “It feels special to have this rare opportunity. This scheme gives people a window for their future."

Some of the young people's successes from the first scheme have included starting a job with a local company, starting a two-year apprenticeship with the council, and being offered a job opportunity with a local business through help from the council.

Ros Mill, borough council executive member for strong communities, said: "At a time when other public sector organisations are making cuts, this council is investing in helping local young people to succeed.”

Coun Mill said: “We care and want to give them a springboard in life.

"Our Young Workers Scheme has proven to be a life-changing opportunity for those who have taken part.

“One even said it has been the best experience of his life.”

She said: "We are encouraging other local employers to join us with similar schemes and offer opportunities to young people.

“We would like to support them to participate so that the benefits to the borough are even higher.”

The scheme, which was set up by the council to replace the Future Jobs Fund, a central government employment initiative which ended in March last year, has also been praised by East Surrey MP Sam Gyimah.

He said the launch event of the second scheme recognised the profound successes from the first intake of recruits.

Mr Gyimah said: “It is great to see Reigate and Banstead Borough Council giving young people real work experience and teaching them the rules of the employment game.

“The scheme is well thought out and really does equip our young people with the skills they need to enter the job market.”