AN INNOVATIVE project, which supports young people with learning difficulties, disabilities and autism, is expanding to Bradford.

The Co-operative College has partnered with Co-op Academy Southfield, Bradford, to develop a pilot Co-operative (ad)Venture scheme.

It will help young people aged 16 and above as they transition from education into the world of work.

The pilot was created following research from Mencap which showed that only one in 10 people with learning disabilities are in employment – but at least 65 per cent have said they would like a job.

The new project aims to equip them with the skills to tackle many of the challenges they face, thereby boosting their confidence.

Funded by the Co-op, the scheme launches this month in Bradford, with sessions delivered twice a week until January 2022.

The group of ten young people will be taught how to set up and run their own informal co-operative, giving them a range of experiences and preparing them as they think about their next steps post education.

There will be a particular focus on work experience, with Co-op providing placements for these young people to offer first-hand experience of what the world of work might look like for them.

Gemma Obeng, head of projects, Co-operative College said: “We’re delighted to be expanding our Co-operative (ad)Venture scheme into another new area and couldn’t wish for better partners than the Co-op and Co-op Academies Trust. We know the impact the scheme can have and have seen how it’s already helped young people right across the UK. We can’t wait to see the difference it will make to the lives of the young people who’ll join us and we’re very excited to see what they’ll achieve.”

Rebecca Birkbeck, director of community and shared value at the Co-op, said: “Part of our vision of Co-operating For a Fairer World, is about building stronger and more resilient communities, so that every young person has fair access to education and employment.

"That’s why we’re proud to be funding such an innovative scheme that will equip young people with the skills to tackle any challenges they might face. We must continue to ensure that young people have the opportunity to gain the skills and values that will set them up for the future.”

Co-op Academy Southfield executive principal, Dominic Wall said: “We’re excited to partner with Co-operative College and pilot this unique project here at Co-op Academy Southfield.

"It’s a fantastic opportunity for our young people and a perfect match for our sixth form, the Pathfinder Vocational Centre. Here we’re developing young adults to have the greatest level of resilience, independence and aspiration. The Co-operative (ad)Venture will build upon the amazing work our colleagues do.

"We’re excited to see where this project takes our students.”

The Co-operative College is an educational charity based in Manchester that works using co-operative values to equip individuals and communities with the skills and knowledge to transform their lives for the better.

Co-op Academies Trust is a multi-academy trust built on the same co-operative principles.

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@telegraphandargus.co.uk