Blackpool launches job and training help for 16-24 year olds

Today (Thursday 17th March) a new service for 16-24 year olds in Blackpool has been launched. ‘The Platform’ set up by Blackpool Council in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions will help 16-24 year olds in Blackpool to find a job, access education and training, or find a way back into work.

Anyone getting in touch with the new service will be met by a team of experienced employment advisers who will work with young people to ensure that they get support with things like CV writing, interview techniques, confidence building , arranging work experience placements, education and training and linking in with local job opportunities.
The number of NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) young people in Blackpool is amongst the highest in the country and as the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic unfold, more will need intensive support to become financially independent or return to work. Funding will support those young people using a ‘hub’ approach that brings together a range of services and young people themselves will have a say in shaping the new service.
‘The Platform’ is a physical space, where young people can call in for information, advice and guidance on education, training, jobs and careers. The service will help young people to develop their skills, improve their employment chances and will specifically target youth unemployment in the town.
The Platform will also become the ‘go to’ place for employers who want to recruit new staff. The service will build relations across the town with employers linking them with potential new staff but also listening to and acting on their recruitment and skills needs.
This project has received £443,824 from the Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund. In future, the service will be funded from Blackpool’s Town Deal funding allocation.
Cllr Gillian Campbell, Cabinet Member for Inclusion, Youth and Transience said: “Better access for young people to employment and training opportunities in Blackpool is a key priority for Blackpool Council.
“All of the ongoing regeneration works in the town is not primarily so the town looks better; one of the key purposes of this work is to provide more jobs for local people.
“Our young people have had a tough time over the last two years and it is right that we do everything we can to support them now into meaningful work, education and training.
“The new team of experienced employment advisers will be able to offer young people more time and resource than has been available previously. Advisers will listen to those that come into the service and support them to get the job or training that is right for them.
“If you know anyone who needs any additional support in this area please do get in touch.”
Heather Murray OBE – Cumbria and Lancashire Senior Partnership Manager (Department for Work and Pensions) said:

“We are delighted to work in partnership with Blackpool Council and key stakeholders holistically to launch Blackpool Youth Hub “The Platform”.

“Supporting our youth customers with a programme of interventions, employer opportunities and tailored provision moving them closer or into work”.

Secretary of State Thérèse Coffey said:

“It was great to speak to inspiring young people at the Blackpool Youth Hub, who are tapping into the support they need to get into work, find long term employment or access training.

“It has been a challenging time, but our Plan for Jobs is working and the support provided by this hub matches the passion of local partners to deliver outstanding opportunities across the Fylde Coast.”

The Youth Hub is based at Unit 3, Bickerstaffe House (next to the new Post Office), Cookson Street, FY1 3EF. It is open Monday – Friday, 09:00 – 17:00, young people can call in to make an appointment to see an adviser. Contact them on 01253 477775 and speak to a member of the team, you can also text or call on 07342 056 448 or email youthhub@blackpool.gov.uk for an appointment.