News Item

The Pensions Trust for Charities and Voluntary Organisations have been doing some fantastic work recently to support unemployed people, particularly individuals who need more support due to the current economic climate.

YOUth Inspire is an award winning educational initiative targeted at the youth of today with programmes rooted in the notion of education via engagement, interest and interaction. The project targets those who are ready to enter employment and prevents them from becoming long-term unemployed.

Young people are referred by their Connexions or Jobcentre Plus adviser and undertake an eight week programme which is individually tailored to address any gaps in employability skills and work experience.

It is hoped the initiative will engage and support young people to access employment opportunities across the city by:

• improving their skills levels
• breaking down any imagined or real barriers they may have related to work
• developing their self motivation and confidence
• encourage a routine of learning and self-development
• provide them with a positive work experience which will encourage them to sustain employment
• enable and support them to progress into an apprenticeship, employment or further training

Joanne Coy from the Pensions Trust has built on the support the organisation is providing to employability projects by hosting a workplace visit for a small group of unemployed young people who are being supported by the YOUth Inspire programme.

The session looked at the different types of jobs that are available, Joanne's role, HR/recruitment process, how jobs are advertised, the application process and what they expect from someone during their interview.

YOUth Inspire in Leeds is managed by Learning Partnerships, an established Leeds-based education charity that works with children, young people and their families in some of the most deprived areas of the city.

Please contact Shelley Riley, shelley.riley@leedsahead.org.uk, if you are interested in supporting this or a similar initiative.