A new development and work experience initiative backed by several Bradford firms has been highlighted by a Government Minister as a good way to shape the skills of youngsters entering the jobs market.

Employment Minister Mark Hoban praised the Our Club programme of six-week courses for unemployed young people, which is being piloted in Bradford, as a good example of a partnership approach to transform the experience of job seekers.

The first course was launched last month by Morrisons and Bradford Bulls for a group of unemployed 18 to 24-year-olds recruited through Jobcentre Plus. They receive work-related training at Morrisons stores along with sports coaching techniques to help them in applying for work. Rex Procter and Partners and Lahore Cafe Bar are also backing the scheme.

Speaking at a Bradford Enterprise Network event at Morrisons’ head office, Mr Hoban said: “Here in Bradford, Department of Work and Pensions is working to support Leeds City Region in realising their ambition to transform the experience of young people entering the job market and to shape the skills investment to align with the real growth sectors in the economy.

“A good example of this sort of excellent partnership working is Our Club, a programme Morrisons have developed alongside the Centre of Coaching Excellence which is being piloted here in Bradford. The programme is being supported by a number of employers who are providing both the work experience element and guaranteed job interviews for all who complete the programme.”

The Minister said the Government was giving training providers more freedom to tailor training to the needs of the local community and economy.

“For example, DWP have been working with Bradford College to develop and deliver a number of training programmes including ESOL, Basic Skills, Employability Skills and sector-based work academies for a number of local employers, including Provident Financial and Torque,” he said.

Mr Hoban said the recent welfare reforms were intended to make sure people could not “just sit on benefits”.

“Of course we should provide financial support for those who are simply too ill or disabled to work, but for those capable of working they should do everything they can to find employment in return for the support taxpayers offer," he said.

Mr Hoban said the hidden success story in the labour market was that more people who weren’t looking for work were now doing so and getting jobs.