The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions has hailed the opening of a new Youth Hub at Telford College’s Skills Shop as a ‘major step forward’ for the young people of the borough.
Pat McFadden MP said the hub service, which sees skills training, mental health support, housing advice and careers guidance brought under one roof, was part of a £2.5 billion Government investment in youth employment across the UK.
Telford College opened the doors to the Skills Shop in Telford Centre this month and is delivering the hub service with the Department for Work and Pensions, Telford & Wrekin Council, training provider Landau and CVS Telford & Wrekin.
Mr McFadden said: “This new Youth Hub marks a major step forward for young people in Telford, delivering real support and opportunity right here in the community.
“We are determined to bring opportunity to every corner of the country because no matter where you grow up, you deserve the chance to earn, to learn and to get in on life.”
Alongside supporting young people, the Telford College Skills Shop helps local businesses by equipping job seekers with qualifications and training they need to be workplace ready, including through its Retail and Hospitality Academy, which supports Telford Centre businesses train and upskill their workforce.
Executive Director of Partnerships and Employer Engagement at Telford College, Sarah Davies said: “Previously, many young people who needed this specialist support have had to travel to Shrewsbury to get it. Now it’s right here on their doorstep, with employment support, training, mentoring and wellbeing help all under one roof.
“That makes a real difference because an extra bus journey can be one more barrier between them and the help they need.”
Councillor Shirley Reynolds, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People, Education, Employment and Skills, said: “Working with our partners, the hub will complement Telford Job Box, a free service at Southwater One in central Telford which offers a dedicated space where young people can receive tailored support and helps residents, including young people, to access employment, training, and education opportunities.
“This runs alongside our Telford and Wrekin Skills Strategy and our Stay Near, Go Far campaign, where we’re continuing to broaden opportunities and raise awareness of the wide range of skills, learning, and employment support available to help people stay local and succeed.”
Youth Hubs are located in an expanding number of locations across the country such as libraries and community centres, offering a range of support to help young people move closer to employment.
It will follow the model of other Youth Hubs, which bring together Jobcentre Plus, local authority services, employers and training providers under one roof to provide vital help to get young people aged 16 to 24 the skills to get into work.
Youth Hubs are a key part of the Government’s £2.5 billion youth employment support package.
Over the next three years, the Government is expanding its network of Youth Hubs to over 360 local areas across Great Britain, with the aim that a young person is no more than one hour away from a Youth Hub by public transport.
