Hundreds join training schemes in Youth Offer
MORE than 1,200 Runcorn and Widnes residents have entered training under the Government’s Youth Offer scheme.
Statistics published by the Department For Work And Pensions (DWP) show 760 Halton jobseekers had started work placements in 2011-16 and 530 began courses at work academies.
In Halton, most of the work placements (690) were among 18 to 24-yearolds and 60 were between 25 and 49.
The spread of ages was wider for work academies, with 180 Halton residents in the 18-24 category, 270 aged 25-49 and 90 who were 50 or over.
The Government has said it will create apprenticeships by 2020.
Damian Hinds, employment minister, said: “The Youth Offer benefits everybody, with businesses tapping in to fresh new talent, individuals reaping the reward of a regular wage, and concrete evidence for taxpayers that our plan to help young people into work is paying off.
“We’re making Britain a country that works for everyone, not just the privileged few and that includes our young people.
“We’ve made good progress, with the youth unemployment rate in the North West falling significantly since 2010.
“But there’s more to do, which is why we’re introducing the new Youth Obligation for 18 to 21-year-olds to help ensure that more young people are earning or learning and have the opportunity to progress in the labour market.” ADVERTISING FEATURE