YOUNG people across the Bradford District will be guaranteed help to get into employment, education or training under a new Bradford Council initiative.

Future Boost aims to make sure that everyone aged between 16 and 24 who is not already working, studying or training, can get help to find a job, including work experience or a paid placement, get a place at college or university or secure an apprenticeship, training programme or volunteering role.

Under the scheme, Bradford Council says every young person in the district will have access to;

• high-quality careers education, advice and guidance

• a learning course

• an offer of an employment placement

• culture, sport and community-based activities

• an online mentor

Bradford joins ‘kickstart’ scheme to get young people back into work

Councillor Imran Khan, Bradford Council’s deputy leader and portfolio holder for education, employment and skills, said: “Future Boost demonstrates our determination that every young person in Bradford District has first-rate employment and education opportunities to help them achieve their ambitions.

“Young workers have been the hardest hit by unemployment caused by the pandemic. Covid has reduced job opportunities just as they are trying to get a foothold in the job market. So, it is vital that we put young people at the heart of our plans to recover from the economic impact of the pandemic.

“Through Future Boost, we are committing to ensuring that everyone aged 16 to 24 has the chance to go to university or college, find an apprenticeship, job, work placement or formal volunteering role.”

Future Boost will see the council work with partners including the district’s further education colleges, its university, local employers, community organisations and National Careers Service.

Paid, six-month work placements will be delivered through the government’s Kickstart Scheme with up to 2,000 placements available in a wide variety of workplaces.

Online mentoring from people in business will be provided MyKindaFuture. Careers guidance will be offered by National Careers Service and Bradford SkillsHouse Youth.

Young people will also be able to get emotional health and wellbeing support, including access to online counselling and entry to a range of sport and cultural activities as part of the council’s Summer Unlocked programme of events.

To find out more about Future Boost, visit https://www.skillshouseyouth.co.uk/Future-Boost