It is as plain as the nose on your face that times are tough with unemployment constantly on the rise and sadly including the growing scandal of youth unemployment which now stands at over a million.
Part of my job as an MP is to try to persuade the Government to alleviate rather than exacerbate these problems. They may be forced to listen or we may have to wait until the next election.
But another part of my job is to encourage employers to do more to help people now.
I recently, therefore, organised an initiative trying to help young people into work by hosting a business breakfast at Gateshead Civic Centre.
Representatives from local employers both large and small attended, including the Go Ahead Group, AkzoNobel, Union Electric Steel UK, the Sage Gateshead and C2M.
The aim was to alert them to the Work Placement Scheme which aims to help local unemployed people aged between 18-24.
Employers are free to choose the candidate that they can best help by offering work experience placements of up to 8 weeks.
This scheme is specifically designed for local young people who don't have contacts to break the 'experience' barrier - the Catch 22 of no experience, no job and no job experience.
The best place to look for work is when you are in work or can demonstrate willing. These placements can prove that candidates are keen on getting in touch with the world of work and this can enhance their chances.
There will be also an awards event in Gateshead for employers and young people where successful candidates will receive a 'work experience certificate' to show future employers as part of their CV.
I know that many local employers already have their own schemes up and running and if this is the case I would be happy to advertise their details.
I am also compiling a directory of participating employers and will organise another such meeting in the near future.
Ideally, a thriving private sector would have the capacity to provide jobs for young people but the Work Placement Scheme might just help!
Newcastle Chronicle and Journal
| Promoted by Ken Childs on behalf of Ian Mearns, 12 Regent Terrace Gateshead NE8 1LU |