Employers unite to boost youth prospects

Businesses and organisations across South Tyneside are joining forces to help young people develop skills and improve their prospects of finding work.

Employers gathered at Dogger Bank Wind Farm’s Operations and Maintenance Base at the Port of Tyne in South Shields for the latest Building a Stronger South Tyneside event.

The initiative recognises employers supporting local residents while encouraging organisations to share ideas and best practice to help unlock the potential of the borough’s workforce.

Discussions focused on ways businesses can help young people build confidence, develop employability skills and access job opportunities.

Kay Doragh, community investment manager at Equinor, which will operate Dogger Bank Wind Farm for an expected 35 years, was keynote speaker, sharing practical advice on supporting the next generation.

Speaking after the event, Kay said: “We know that meaningful contact with employers makes a huge difference to young people and their path to a career – but we don’t always know what this means or where to start.

“I’ve been lucky in my role to have supportive managers and fantastic colleagues enabling us to offer broad and inclusive STEM outreach, so it’s great to have an opportunity to share some of these approaches with local businesses.”

The event followed a session in June focused on the Youth Guarantee, which provides employers with financial support towards apprenticeships and fully-funded work placements, alongside a youth jobs grant worth up to £3000.

Hebburn Football Club also highlighted partnerships with local businesses that have helped young residents access opportunities.

The latest event comes as research from the Institute for Public Policy Research highlighted the employment challenges facing the borough’s young people, with 80 suitable vacancies for every 1000 people aged 18 to 24, compared with a national average of 109.

Councillor David Royal, cabinet member for economic growth, regeneration and investment at South Tyneside Council, added: “The Building a Stronger South Tyneside events are a fantastic way of bringing together the borough’s employers to better understand how we can address some of the biggest challenges facing our young people.

“Today’s findings from the IPPR highlight the stark reality of life for young people in areas such as South Tyneside, with one job available for every 12 people aged between 18-24.

“It was therefore refreshing to see so many organisations demonstrating their commitment to helping reverse this trend.

“From employers providing site visits and work placements to subsidising transport and embracing apprenticeships, the event was full of great ways organisations can make a meaningful difference to young people's futures through simple, practical engagement activities.”

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