Stockton North MP Alex Cunningham has welcomed an initiative to tackle chronic levels of youth unemployment in Teesside, which is encouraging those under 30 and in work to become ‘youth ambassadors’ to sponsor, coach and mentor out of work 16-24 year olds and educate and help them get into the world of work.
The initiative is being run by Sembcorp, and will work with organizations such as Job Centre Plus; Redcar Development Trust; NEPIC; National Apprenticeship Service; Redcar & Cleveland Council and other local authorities, schools and colleges. Not only will the scheme help young people gain employment and skills, it will also help develop the local talent pool and ensure a skilled workforce in the future.
Alex said:
“This is an excellent example of innovative thinking by local organisations to stem the tide of youth unemployment, and I would like to congratulate George Ritchie at Sembcorp for all his hard work in setting this up.
“I would encourage any young people in work to get involved in this scheme – you really can make a real difference and inspire and motivate young people into the world of work.
“The number of young people claiming JSA for over 12 months has risen an astounding 430% over the past year in Stockton North. Local businesses are doing their bit to stop this unemployment crisis-it is just a shame that the Government is doing so little to help.”
