Helping 1,000 young people into work

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Talent Match North East (TMNE) recently celebrated UK Employability Day with news it has supported 1,000 people into jobs.

The programme takes an innovative approach to tackling youth unemployment, helping 18-24 year-olds who’ve been out of work for a year or more to transform their lives for the better.

Young people benefit from one-to-one tailored support from a youth coach, based on their needs, which could include help with CV writing, training, skills development, confidence building and offering work experience opportunities.

TMNE hit its target of working with 2,500 young people over the course of the programme in September 17 and is now focussed on getting the best possible outcome for those it helps, continuing employability support and developing relationships with employers to offer placements, apprenticeships and job opportunities.

TMNE is one of 21 partnerships across England funded by the Big Lottery Fund and in the north east is a partnership between young people, voluntary sector and public agencies, managed by leading social enterprise the Wise Group.

Sean Duffy, Wise Group CEO, said: “We’re extremely proud to have played our part in helping 1,000 young people into work. The North East has one of the highest proportions in the UK of young people who are not in education, employment or training, and employability services like Talent Match are crucial to addressing youth unemployment across the region.

“With the tailor-made support that Talent Match North East offers each young person, the Wise Group and our partners can help them to break down the barriers that stand between them and their goals, matching their talents to the needs of employers.

“Passing this milestone further highlights the achievements of Talent Match, building on the successes celebrated at their recent awards ceremony.”

One young person recognised at the TMNE Awards 2018 was Alex Leigh, who picked up the award for Outstanding Achievement, having turned his life around with help from TMNE partner Newcastle United Foundation.

Alex’s award recognised the outstanding progress that he has made since joining Talent Match, overcoming challenges, such as being homeless, as well as being low in confidence and self-worth.

Working closely with his youth coach, Alex developed his employability skills, secured a work placement and now works in Slaley Hall Hotel kitchens developing his skills as a chef.

For further information about Talent Match, or if you’re an employer in North East England that could offer a young person work experience or job opportunities, contact Talent Match by email: talentmatch@thewisegroup.co.uk, phone: 0191 242 4898, or visit www.TalentMatchNE.co.uk

Talent Match North East is celebrating UK Employability Day with news it has supported 1,000 people into jobs.