Backing Young Britain

British businesses, charities and voluntary organisations joined young people and Government Ministers in London recently to discuss how those new to the jobs market could be supported to find jobs, work experience or training to use their talents and reach their potential.

Launching the Backing Young Britain campaign, Ministers announced £40 million to fund over 20,000 additional internships, meaning graduates and non-graduates can access higher quality work experience and a new mentoring network to help young people find their feet in a tough jobs market.

The campaign also points people towards more support for young people who do become unemployed. Right from day-one, this will be provided through job clubs and - for those leaving education this summer - 1-2-1 support in Jobcentre Plus offices.

At the launch young people were given the opportunity to lead honest and direct discussions with Ministers and organisations by sharing their views and experiences of work. This approach was welcomed with enthusiasm by all attendees, some of whom commented that the participation of so many young delegates was refreshing to see.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Yvette Cooper also announced that 117 bidders have been given the green light to create up to 47,000 innovative jobs for young people and the long-term unemployed through the Government?s Future Jobs Fund. These jobs will include sports coaches, education assistants and roles in the green and social care sectors.

Organisations can make a commitment to support young people in at least one of the following ways:

• work with a partnership to bid for one of the 100,000 jobs for young people from the Future Jobs Fund;
• offer a volunteering place or a volunteer mentor for school or university leavers;
• provide work experience places to help young people learn about work, make contacts and fill their CV;
• consider a young person for a job through a work trial;
• offer an internship for a graduate;
• provide an apprenticeship for 16-24 year olds;
• join a Local Employment Partnership to make sure job vacancies are advertised to local unemployed people.

Business Secretary Lord Mandelson said of Backing Young Britain:
"Our national campaign to help every young person to find a job, training or work skills and experience is not just a response to the recession but an investment in our future as we build a stronger Britain."

Ministers are today out and about around the country visiting successful organisations to see first hand the kind of jobs that will be created by the Future Jobs Fund.

Double Olympic Gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes, who also attended the event, observed that if the level of young talent in the room was an indication of what young people across the country have to offer, British business could be confident about the future.

Read Backing Young Britain for more information.