Twelve months on Backing Young Bury goes from strength to strength

It is now just over 12 months since the public and private sector led Backing Young Bury initiative launched in January 2012.

The latest element of the initiative saw ten young people undertake 6 weeks work experience at the council as the Backing Young Bury team recognised that not all young people are ready to take on the commitment of an apprenticeship. With this in mind, a new employment routeway was created which results in young people gaining experience through a temporary position with the council.

Nine individuals completed the employment routeway programme at the council and demonstrated their ongoing commitment to work. As a result 9 of these were rewarded with an externally funded 6-month contract of employment with the council and the other candidate took up employment with another business.  Over the next six months, the trainees will get hands on and gain practical work experience, equipping them with employability skills that will appeal to potential employers in the future.

Councillor Peter Bury, spokesperson for skills, employment and business growth, stated: "In these times of high levels of youth unemployment we see the most able securing the jobs that are available, leaving those who perhaps need extra support being left behind. Backing Young Bury continues to provide opportunities that give these young people a real chance to show their skills."

Sophie Layton, who has just been taken on by the council on a six-month externally funded contract, said: “Backing Young Bury has provided me with a brilliant opportunity and I am so pleased that the time I spent on the work experience programme has allowed me to take a step forward on the road to employment. I am really looking forward to learning lots of new things over the next few months and I hope I can add some of these things to my CV to help increase my chances of getting a permanent job in the future."

For further information about Backing Young Bury log on to www.bury.gov.uk/backingyoungbury

ENDS

Press release issued: 18 April 2013.