New employment hub aims to help 300 young people

A youth employment hub is to be created in Telford with the aim of helping more than 300 young people in a year into work, training or education.

The scheme, led by Telford College, in partnership with Telford & Wrekin Council, is part of a new national programme aimed at 16–24 year olds who are out of work or education.

The move follows a review by former health secretary Alan Milburn, which on Wednesday warned the UK could see the number of young people not in education, employment or training (Neets) rise to 1.25 million by the early 2030s, without urgent action.

"When you give young people the right support at the right time, it changes lives," Sarah Davies, from the college, said.

The hub will offer one‑to‑one coaching, accredited training in English, maths and digital skills, work experience, and employer‑led events.

Davies said it was the kind of targeted support which the national review had called for.

"Over its first 12 months, the hub will support more than 300 young people who are Neet or receiving universal credit," she said.

Jobcentre Plus work coaches, mental health specialists and housing advisers will also be involved.

The new hub will have a town‑centre base and also work in rural post code areas such as TF1 and TF7, supported by a mobile teaching unit, a spokesperson for the college said.

Six employer engagement events, including job fairs and apprenticeship showcases, will run over the next year.

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