A new hub offering education, employment and training information and advice to young people aged 16 – 24 years was opened on Tuesday 11 February, during a formal ceremony.
One of the first young people to join the hub, Ethan, assisted the team by cutting the ribbon during the ceremony that marked the hub officially opening for business during National Apprenticeship Week.
Ethan was supported by the team to update his CV and to find an apprenticeship in sport. Following a successful application process, he is due to start his apprenticeship with Activate Sports Education in two weeks’ time.
The ‘Herefordshire YEH’ Youth Employment Hub is a partnership between Herefordshire Council and the Department for Work and Pensions.
Young people have been involved in co-designing and developing the hub and will continue to do this as the service expands.
Working in partnership with a range of existing agency and community partners, the hub offers support and advice to young people aged 16 to 24 years on education, training, apprenticeships, volunteering and work opportunities.
The YEH aims to upskill, enable and empower young people, building their confidence and experience. Helping young people to find the programme, volunteering, training or work opportunity that is right for them and support them through that journey, so they are more prepared to gain employment with the aim of reducing long-term unemployment.
The primary hub is based at 57-59 Blueschool Street, Hereford. The team have also begun working with partners in Ross on Wye and Leominster. Over time more hubs will be established in other locations, including additional market towns.
Youth Employment Hub support is available to all young people, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Friendly staff are available to offer a warm welcome to a one stop shop of careers and employment information and advice to help young people to find the right career pathway.
In addition to the hub, an online service has been launched, offering young people 24/7 access to a wide range of career and employment information and advice on the new Youth Employment Hub website.
Ethan said:
“I am proud to have been chosen to officially open the Youth Employment Hub by cutting the ribbon. The team at the hub have helped me to gain a bit more confidence. They helped me to update my CV so it’s in the right format and supported me with applying for a sports apprenticeship. I’m looking forward to starting my apprenticeship with Activate Sports Education later this month.”
Councillor Graham Biggs, Cabinet Member for Economy and Growth, added:
“We’re delighted that the support from the DWP has enabled us to bring a Youth Employment Hub to Herefordshire. The new hub will provide our young people with a safe space, where they can access information and advice on education, employment and training. There will also be pop up hubs across the county to help young people make important decisions about their future career pathways. This is part of our drive alongside working with employers and training providers to create more better paid jobs in Herefordshire.”
Councillor Ivan Powell, Cabinet Member Children and Young People, said:
“Thank you to Ethan for officially opening the new hub. This has been an exciting project to deliver because I know how much support young people will be able to access through the employment hub to help them decide the best route to follow.
“Through partnership working we’ve created a base which will enhance the support available to young people looking for employment or the next step in their career and I’m really looking forward to seeing the difference it makes to the county’s young people, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).”
Angela Street, Employer and Disability Employment Adviser Leader for Mercia District, added:
"Youth Hubs are a fantastic opportunity for young jobseekers to benefit from the support available from the Jobcentre Plus and our partners, so they develop the skills and abilities needed to gain employment. Herefordshire Youth Employment Hub is central to the support for anyone aged 16 to 24, particularly in Hereford. So far, many young people have benefited from the guidance they have received, which will help them to go onto a brighter, secure future."