Mason Moore | Hinckley Reporter | 28 December 2022

NUNEATON and Bedworth Borough Council (NBBC) have launched a new project to help young people to find paid work – and introduce businesses to ‘eager’ employees.

The project, titled ‘Young Business Links’, bridges the gap between young adults aged 19 to 25 who are leaving school or college and are on the lookout to find career worthy work.

Candidates who sign up will be matched with suitable businesses, which will lead to paid work placements, helping them to gain ‘valuable’ experience to put on their CV.

They will be given a ‘huge range’ of support from the Borough Council on their placement, such as mentoring and guidance, as well as an informal introduction to businesses and access to funding for transport, childcare, or uniforms, if necessary.

Pre-employment support will be provided by the CDA Accelerate Programme, which will help candidates put a professional CV together, write their own cover letter and even prepare for their interview.

Participating businesses will be rewarded with an enthusiastic employee who has a genuine interest in their industry field.

The Borough Council have stated that several of the businesses who are already on board have offered young people placements.

Coun. Samuel Croft, the borough council’s Portfolio Holder for Finance and Corporate said: “I’m delighted at the progress we’ve made so far, and this scheme is particularly important to me.

“Meaningful jobs aren’t just about earning a living and getting paid, they’re important to people’s sense of purpose, belonging and self-respect because a good job gives people the chance to develop their own talents, learn new skills and most importantly, gives them independence.

“Whether our applicants find a permanent job offer, or simply stay on placement for a few weeks, if we can help some of our young people gain experience, build their CVs, learn new skills, earn some of their own income, and begin to realise what they want from their lives, this whole exercise will have been worthwhile.”

A successful first meeting has already been held with students at the Saints Café in Nuneaton – with more meetings to be held in the very near future.

Jet Jones, Owner of Saints Cafe, said: “We aspire to be a hub for community transformation in the heart of Nuneaton, bringing in sustainable revenue through our various social enterprises and businesses, in order to respond to the needs felt by children, families, youth and elderly of our town.

“We hope to create new opportunities, raise aspirations and empower people through business creation, education, sport and wellbeing and the creative arts.”

Anyone who fits into the age range can register their interest can find out more about the project on the Borough Council’s official website.