No young person left behind: Council leader strengthens support into work and training

Every young person in North Lincolnshire deserves the opportunity to build a successful future – and North Lincolnshire Council is set to strengthen the help available.

The plans would bring together schools, colleges, employers, the Department for Work and Pensions, health partners and the voluntary sector to ensure young people receive the right support at the right time.

They build on a strong local track record. While nationally around four per cent of 16 and 17-year-olds are not in education, employment or training, in North Lincolnshire that figure is less than two per cent.

The council now wants to go further by strengthening partnership working and expanding the support available to young people.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “This is a personal priority for me. Every young person deserves the chance to succeed, and we are determined that nobody slips through the net.

“National policies have made it harder for businesses to employ people, particularly young people. That makes it even more important that we step up locally, create opportunities and ensure no young person is left behind.

“We already have a strong network of schools, colleges, employers and organisations supporting young people every day. We are choosing to invest further in those partnerships, making sure organisations work more closely together so that young people receive the support they need as early as possible.

“Whether that’s an apprenticeship, further education, training or a first job, we want every young person to know there is an opportunity for them and people ready to help them take that next step.”

The details are set out in a report due to be discussed by the Cabinet. The plans build on North Lincolnshire’s Youth Hub, which has supported almost 1,000 young people over the past five years, helping hundreds into paid employment while many others have progressed into apprenticeships, training, work experience and further learning.

The proposals also include a new intensive programme for young people not in education, employment or training, alongside expanded employability workshops, work experience placements, careers events and sector-based training.

If approved, they will strengthen partnership working to identify young people who need support earlier, remove barriers to opportunity and help more young people move into education, training or employment across North Lincolnshire.

Cllr Waltham added: “Success will be measured by one thing – more young people fulfilling their potential, more local businesses finding the skilled workforce they need and fewer young people left behind.”

If you’re a parent, carer, grandparent or young person looking for help with education, training or employment, visit your local Community Hub in Ashby, Barton-upon-Humber, Brigg, Crowle, Epworth or Scunthorpe. Friendly staff can offer advice, answer questions and help you access the right support.