53 per cent rise in employability of city’s young people

53 per cent of previously long-term unemployed young people have now gone directly into employment following the completion of a Future Jobs Fund role.

The scheme has proved to dramatically improve the employability levels of Peterborough’s 18 – 24 year olds through the provision of 6 months of paid work, enabling them to gather the essential skills and experience needed for the work place.

Richard Cooper was unemployed for a year before being employed through the future jobs fund as part of Peterborough City Council’s care and repair team. Richard has now gone on to work full time for Mears Ltd as a Customer Service Administrator.

Richard said, “With thanks to my future jobs fund placement, I have gained so many new skills. My computer and communication skills have improved so much and I have gained experience working both with customers and as part of a team within an office.” (See case studies attached)

All Future Jobs Fund positions, including Richard’s, are focused on providing a benefit to the community whilst also increasing the job prospects of the individual. All Future Jobs Fund employees also receive guidance and support in the form of training, workshops and advice services.

Gary Conder, Future Jobs Fund project manager said, “The Future Jobs Fund has provided Peterborough’s young unemployed with some fantastic paid work experience in a range of interesting job roles. The scheme has allowed these young people to learn more about the different types of careers and opportunities which are open to them and also provided them with the essential skills and experience needed when entering the world of work.”

“The Future Jobs Fund scheme has opened lots of doors for Peterborough’s young people. The scheme has also increased the employability prospects of our young workforce, providing the skills and abilities which many of the employers today are looking for. Local employers should be aware of the Future Jobs Fund and the array of talent which the scheme is helping to build in our city.”

The Future Jobs Fund is now in its second phase in the city, providing even more young people with opportunities.

For more information on Peterborough's Future Jobs Fund, visit www.futurejobsfund.org.uk or call Gary COnder on 01733 863798.