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The challenges young people face in securing employment remain a pressing concern, as highlighted in a recent study conducted by the Work Foundation. Councillor Joanne Kennedy, Cabinet Member for Education, Employment & Skills, attended the report’s Parliamentary launch earlier today and shared insight into current initiatives aimed at creating better opportunities for youth employment.
Youth unemployment continues to be a significant obstacle, with many young people struggling to enter the job market. Addressing this requires a coordinated effort from both local and national government bodies. Councillor Kennedy emphasized the importance of taking a proactive approach based on evidence, collaborating closely with statutory bodies as well as voluntary and community organizations to identify and overcome the barriers faced by young people.
Several innovative schemes are already underway, such as the Youth Guarantee Trailblazer Programme. This program experiments with tailored mentoring, as well as sector-specific training aligned with Liverpool’s creative industries. It also offers practical employer support designed to improve recruitment and retention of young people, including those with disabilities or experience in the care system. Alongside this, additional funding has been allocated to prevent youth unemployment by boosting targeted careers support in schools and creating new roles aimed at increasing young people’s participation in education and employment.
Listening to young people directly is also a priority. Through research commissioned by the Public Health team, the city has gained valuable feedback about youths’ perceptions of work and their awareness of local job opportunities. This has revealed the need for more diverse and accessible ways of sharing career information. Furthermore, efforts include recruiting mentors to work closely with care leavers, offering assistance that covers interview preparation, confidence-building, travel support, and other wraparound services. Practical financial advice is provided by the Financial Inclusion Team, ensuring young people receive holistic help.
Collaboration with employers remains crucial. The council is integrating existing support programs such as the ‘Connect to Work’ initiative, which provides tailored one-on-one assistance to individuals facing physical or mental health challenges. This program helps young people who may not find work through internship routes to attain and retain jobs with ongoing, targeted support. Employers are also being encouraged to understand the unique needs of young workers by offering flexible conditions and in-work assistance to build resilience and confidence. As one of the city’s largest employers, the council itself is committed to recruiting over 100 new apprentices this year, granting young people the chance to begin their careers within the council. Additionally, procurement policies now prioritize contracts that include commitments to create local jobs, apprenticeships, and training opportunities, further reinforcing the collective determination to tackle youth employment barriers
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