YOUTH claimants to the Department of Work and Pensions has increased nationally by 116 per cent since March, prompting Worcestershire County Council to step up its careers guidance for young people.
During lockdown, young people were more likely to be furloughed or made redundant, while some businesses halted new employment altogether.
In April, Careers Worcestershire launched a dedicated careers helpline targeted at 16-24 year olds offering information, advice and guidance on their next steps.
Last week Here2Help Business was launched in Worcestershire.
This includes a specialist graduate grant for employers, so they can access funding to hire a graduate for a one year placement which in turn will help the number of opportunities for graduates.
Meanwhile the Worcestershire Apprenticeships programme has also been continuing to offer information and advice and whilst currently apprenticeship recruitment is down a number of employers remain committed to supporting young people into their work forces.
County Councillor Marcus Hart, cabinet member with responsibility for education and skills said: “I’m delighted we’ve been able to support young people as much as this in such a difficult time.
“We will be continuing to offer this help throughout the rest of the pandemic, and beyond.
“We have a great apprenticeships programme, and the new grant for graduates is going to really help increase that employment figure.”
Judy Chadwick, director of skills at Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership added: “The last few months have been tough for everyone, but especially those who have recently finished school or graduated.
“The careers helpline has supported a host of young people considering both their current situation, and the choices they have for education starting in September and where employment options can be found.
“I would encourage any young person moving from Year 11 and Year 13 to access the summer webinars to understand the choices they have and to verify that they are confident in the choices they are making.”
The authority is currently reviewing the opportunities offered under a varieties of projects announced by the government, including the Kickstart Scheme.
This will offer six month work placements for 16-24 year olds and all employers in the county are being encouraged to consider how these schemes could work for them.
The Careers Worcestershire team are holding webinars in August for young people receiving GCSE or A-Level results this summer.
For more information and to book a place visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/careers-worcs-next-steps-webinar-tickets-108862045308
