Businesses in the Breckland area are set to benefit from a new scheme that could offer young job-seekers their first step on the ladder to a new career.
Thanks to the ‘Future Jobs Fund’ initiative, which is being supported locally by the Breckland Partnership’s Economic Project Group, local businesses have the opportunity to take on young people aged 18-24 years for a minimum of 25 hours per week for 26 weeks and receive funding of up to £6,300. Companies interested in the scheme must be able to demonstrate that the jobs meet a number of additional criteria –
• The jobs cannot be funded any other way
• Have a recognised training element or employability outcome
• Meet the needs of the local community and jobs/skills shortages
Financial backing of around £1 billion has been set aside nationally for the ‘Future Jobs Fund’ by the Department for Work and Pensions, to support the creation of jobs for long-term unemployed young people and others who face significant disadvantage in the labour market.
William Nunn, Chairman of the Breckland Partnership, welcomed the scheme;
“With no previous work experience, it can be very difficult for young people to secure their first position. I fully support this new initiative which will provide six months of real work experience and training, leaving individuals better placed to find permanent employment”.
Businesses interested in the benefiting from the scheme should contact Lindy Warmer, Breckland Council Economic Development Officer; tel 01362 656870, email
lindy.warmer@breckland.gov.uk.