Council helps youngsters to kickstart work life
MORE than 80 young people have kick started their careers thanks to a council scheme aimed at lifting 18-24 year olds out of poverty.
Rochdale Borough Council employed 84 local youngsters as part of the government scheme, the most of any borough in Greater Manchester.
Funded by the Department for Work and Pensions who also referred applicants to the council, those taking part in the scheme were offered sixmonth contracts for 25 hours a week paid at either the national minimum wage or living wage according to their age.
The individuals took on a wide range of roles, including marketing, countryside rangers and street services.
Councillor John Blundell, cabinet member for economy and regeneration, said: “The fact that we were a top ten Kickstart employer across the whole of Greater Manchester showcases the high regard young people have for Rochdale Borough Council as an employer of choice.
“It is testimony to our approach that we employed more 18 to 24-year-olds than other local authorities.
The results also speak for themselves in just how many individuals moved on successfully.
“The pandemic hit young people hard and the council welcomed this opportunity to help them overcome the barriers they were facing to getting their careers under way. We wish them every success for their futures.”
As a result of the scheme, 85 per cent of those taking part went on to find more permanent roles, either with the council or externally, including moving on to apprenticeships.
The council then mentored the young people, identifying where additional support was needed and provided some form of training to all, exceeding requirements, in a similar way to how an apprenticeship might work.
The few that did not manage to land other opportunities will be supported by the council’s youth hub.