Young Work Wiltshire is preparing for a busy summer as it works with young people to ensure they are on track with their future training and career options.

The service, funded by Wiltshire Council, works with 16 & 17 year olds who are not in any form of education, employment or training (NEET), offering them ideas and providing support to access jobs and training which match their future goals.

Often these young people face multiple barriers to their participation and need a different type of support.

The service marks its first anniversary this month, and includes a team of Education Employment Advisers available during the week and a chatbot offering a 24-hour service.

The support includes:

Engaging with a young person and helping them understand the provision available
Help them to find and apply for a suitable education or training course
Help them find and apply for an apprenticeship
Job search and application help
CV and interview skills
Support in transitioning to a new opportunity.
Building on the success of last year, the team will help Year 11 pupils without secure plans and in need of greater intervention to make a successful transition from school. The Education Employment Advisers will support those young people over the summer to access local provision before the start of the new academic year.

From the start of the current academic year Sept 2020 to June 2021, the service has supported 195 16/17 year olds not in education, employment or training back into education, employment and training – including apprenticeships.

Cllr Laura Mayes, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said:

Young people have had a particularly challenging year due to COVID-19 and while some may have clear ideas of what they do next, others may be struggling. It really is important young people are aware of the opportunities available to them. This service is available to help those who really need support to look afresh at the possibilities and move forward with the jobs or training that suits them best.