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Council to support 167 new work placements for young people

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Young people from Wirral who are not in education, employment or training will be supported into work placements thanks to a new programme run by Wirral Council.

The Wirral Intermediate Labour Market (ILM) scheme encourages small and medium-sized employers to take on young people who are facing problems in developing skills and gaining employment with grants of £5,000 or £10,000 per individual supported.

21 young people have already secured employment opportunities, fully funded and from 7 to 13 months in length. 167 placements are available in total on the scheme.

Cllr Phil Davies, Leader of Wirral Council said: ‘We’re opening up the job market to young people who are facing challenges to getting jobs because of their lack of experience or confidence, and our local businesses are getting on board.

‘We want more businesses and more young people to come forward and apply for work placements. This scheme is about matching the skills of our local workforce to the needs of local business, a key element of our 2020 council plan.

‘This is also an example of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority having a direct, positive impact on Wirral people’s lives.’

Carrie Marsden, Deputy Manager of Holiday Inn Express, Hoylake said: ‘We are incredibly proud to support young people on Wirral and I’ve been impressed with the focus and determination that our young people have shown in completing the tasks they have been set and the attitude they have shown throughout their time with us.

‘As an employer I think it’s imperative that young people are given an opportunity and I would urge other businesses to support them as best they can.’

The programme is focused on sustainable employment opportunities and as such all employers are assessed and must be in a growth sector or add community value to the Wirral area.

The scheme is funded by the European Union’s Social Fund, after a successful bid by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

The scheme is open to 16-19 year olds or 16-21 year olds from disadvantaged groups such as care leavers and those with disabilities.

The money will go towards paying young people’s wages, and companies will sign a contract to say they will offer at least 35 hours work a week paying at least the national minimum wage.

Applicants must live in Wirral, be aged 16-19 years old (or 16-21 if in a vulnerable group) and not in education, employment or training.

The Wirral ILM Scheme is part of the Wirral Ways to Work Programme which is made up of four projects to support Wirral residents in to employment and training.

The other three Wirral Ways to Work projects are a Worklessness Support Service, a Youth Employment Gateway Service and a Careers Education Information Advice and Guidance Service.

These projects will support over 1,500 people into employment or training over the next 2 years.

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