Getting into work - action for Cornwall's Young People
Cornwall Works' Youth Employment Strategy
Cornwall Works for Young People – Cornwall’s Youth Employment Strategy is part of the overarching Cornwall Works strategy to reduce worklessness and raise employment rates. The Cornwall Works Hub has been commissioned by Jobcentre Plus, using Flexible Support Fund, to undertake this work in recognition of the importance of youth employment, particularly with the present global economic and financial uncertainty.
This development work is part of the broader project that is helping Cornwall Works Hub support the delivery of the ESF Convergence programme. And will follow the tried and tested Cornwall Works approach focusing on:
- understanding the need (what do our numbers tell us?)
- mapping delivery (what has already been bought?)
- a programmed approach (investing in activities not organisations), and the coordination of and collaboration in delivery
- the identification and filling of gaps; and where needed changing organisational behaviour
So what's it all about?
The whole ethos is about making sure that the right support is available in the right place at the right time. Joining up, co-ordinating, promoting and increasing access to, and where needed filling gaps in employment support for young people. It will ensure best use is made of all current provision and will work with partners to address any gaps.
Why a Youth Employment Strategy?
In May 2012 there were 2000 20-24 year olds claiming Jobseekers Allowance in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Additionally there were 487 16-18 year olds not in education, employment or training and 300 19 year olds were claiming Jobseekers Allowance.
Evidence from previous recessions suggests that young people (16-24) are particularly vulnerable to becoming long term unemployed and take longer to return to work than people aged 25 plus. The first steps in employment are all important in building confidence, proving employability and in developing long-term skills.
The challenge is to ensure that all available resources are used in a way that focuses on the needs, and develops the aspirations of young people, and where relevant their families, and develops employment progression routes.
What is being done?
- Reviewing the needs revealed in the data
- Looking at the delivery that is available
- Identifying what works well and what else is needed
- Gathering feedback and ideas from young people on the help they need to get back into work
All with the aim of supporting more workless young people aged 16- 25 to improve motivation, confidence and engagement in the world of work.
Who is involved?
Cornwall Works for Young People is a collaboration that aims to include and involve public sector organisations, charities and private sector companies involved in improving employment prospects for young people in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
What happened at our first Youth Employment Strategy Workshops? Click here!
