Member Article

Shop front project tackles Newcastle youth unemployment

A project run from a shop front in Newcastle’s Newgate Shopping Centre is helping to tackle youth unemployment in the city.

The ‘Space 2…’ project, a youth centre run by the YMCA and financed by NE1, is investing in the ‘World of Work Programme’ - a scheme devliered in conjunction with many of the city’s businesses and local community interest company, Solar Learning.

The programme aims to provide youngsters with an insight into different sectors, including retail, law, medicine, manufacturing and engineering.

Major North East employer Greggs plc recently launched the first session where Retail director Raymond Reynolds gave participants an insight into the world of food manufacturing.

It marks the start of a relationship between Space 2… and Greggs, who will go on to provide employability workshops that cover CV writing, interview training and confidence building skills.

Adrian Waddell, director of Operations at NE1 Ltd explained: “Space 2… was set up to improve opportunities for young people. The World of Work programme is one key strand of activity at the centre and the idea is to work closely with some of the city’s leading employers to introduce young people to various jobs and industry sectors and for businesses to highlight the skills, experience and attitude young people need to secure jobs within these fields.”

Jeff Hurst, YMCA Newcastle and manager of Space 2…. added: “Space 2… is driven by the need to give young people information, advice and greater opportunities to allow them to make better and more informed choices.

“At Newcastle YMCA we believe that all young people are capable of achieving great things, to do so they need 3 things; the opportunity, the resources and the support. Working in partnership with NE1 and the business community we are able to provide that combination.

“The World of Work events will provide practical help and exposure for these young people to some of the city’s largest employers and hopefully improve their employment opportunities. The sessions are free to attend and will be run alongside all the other exciting programmes happening at the centre.”

Regional law firm Muckle will offer their insight into the law sector on February 25. For more information on the World of Work programme, and upcoming events, visit the website here.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .