Employers across South Tyneside came together in South Shields this week to discuss how they can help improve the career prospects of young people.
Taking place at Dogger Bank Wind Farm’s Operations and Maintenance Base at Port of Tyne, the ‘Building a Stronger South Tyneside’ event saw local organisations discuss how they can better help young people build confidence, develop employability skills and access job opportunities.
‘Building a Stronger South Tyneside’ is a campaign taking place across the borough to recognise employers who are going the extra mile to support residents, while encouraging discussion and the sharing of best practice to help unlock the potential of the borough’s workforce.
The latest event followed a successful session held in June which focused on the Youth Guarantee which offers local employers financial incentives towards apprenticeships, fully funded work placements and the youth Jobs Grant, worth up to £3,000. Hebburn Football Club also spoke about some of its successful partnerships with local businesses, which have helped young residents access opportunities.
Kay Doragh, Community Investment Manager at Equinor, who will operate Dogger Bank Wind Farm for an expected operational life of 35 years, was the event’s keynote speaker. Drawing on years of experience working with children and young people, from primary school age through to graduates, Kay provided advice, top tips and quick-win ideas for employers interested in 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 came as analysis from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) showed young people in South Tyneside face a tougher challenge when it comes to finding work than those in other areas of the UK. On average, the research found that there are 80 suitable vacancies per 1,000 young people aged 18-24 in the borough, compared to the national average of 109.
Cllr David Royal, Cabinet member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Investment at South Tyneside Council, said:
“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.”
For more information on the Building a Stronger South Tyneside campaign, visit: https://investsouthtyneside.com/building-a-stronger-south-tyneside/
