Local young people in jobs boost

Youth unemployment is tumbling across Rochdale borough according to recently released government figures.

In May this year, there were 890 fewer 18-24-year-olds claiming jobseekers allowance than this time last year, a drop from 2070 to 1,180.

More than half of the young people who have recently found jobs were also classed as long-term unemployed, having been out of work for six months or more.

Younger people have also proved a success, with the number of 16-18 year-olds who joined an apprenticeship scheme growing by 15 per cent, the highest increase in Greater Manchester.

Between 1 August 2013 and 30 April 2014, 430 teenagers started an apprenticeship, compared to 374 during the same period the year before. These figures were boosted by an apprenticeship pop up shop launched in Middleton in January, which led to 650 young people being referred to vacancies during the three month scheme.

Supporting young people into work, particularly those who have never had a job or have been out of work for some time, is a top priority for the council which is shared by other public and voluntary organisations across the borough including Rochdale Boroughwide Housing, Link4Life, the police and health organisations.

Working together, these organisations target work experience, jobs and work trials at the 18-24 age group and work with schools and training providers to ensure the transition from education to employment is smooth.

Councillor Peter Williams, Cabinet Member for Business, Skills and Employment, said: “We have some incredibly talented young people in this borough, but the job market is very competitive and it can be hard to get a foot on the ladder. That’s why I’m so proud of these young people. By continuing to work together with our partners in the public, private and voluntary sector on this priority issue, we can further reduce unemployment and give the borough’s young people a brighter future.”

The council will be hosting an apprenticeship open evening in the Great Hall in the town hall on Wednesday 2 July.

The event, which runs from 4-7pm, will allow 16-24 year-old residents not in full-time education to explore apprenticeship opportunities in the borough.

Apprenticeships are offered at intermediate, advanced and higher (degree) levels and cover more than 170 industries and 1,500 job roles nationally.