News / Better Bristol
New Bristol traineeship programme launched to tackle youth unemployment
The pandemic has presented many challenges for Bristol and the wider city region, as businesses and communities continue to navigate their way through the most significant economic and societal disruption for generations. Youth unemployment is rising and many more young people are claiming Universal Credit.
A key factor has been some businesses delaying hiring apprentices, which is understandable during a time of economic uncertainty. However, one of the strengths the Bristol region demonstrated during the pandemic is a spirit of collaboration to deal with the challenges.
Bristol24/7 is working with Weston College to support young people from across the city who are looking for employment or an apprenticeship, by creating the Better Business Traineeship Programme.
Traineeships are fully-funded options for young people looking to get onto the career ladder and seeking to benefit from employability training, coaching and access to job opportunities.
Bristol24/7 has joined forces with Weston College to launch the Better Business Traineeship Programme – photo courtesy of Weston College
Traineeships are an ideal opportunity for employers to identify future employees, with any trainees often progressing to full time employment through an apprenticeship programme.
Weston College has placed more than 150 trainees into employment during the past 18 months, working with employers across the Bristol region to arrange work experience placements, and provide training to young people accessing these programmes.
The programme was launched on November 11 to members of Better Business, an initiative created by Bristol24/7 to bring business leaders together to deliver positive impact in the city.
Employers can also get involved by offering placements to commence in early 2021, or by offering to complete mock interviews and talk to trainees about their business and the range of careers available.
“There is no doubt that Covid has had an impact on our young people in the region,” said Dave Crew, head of employer partnerships at Weston College.
The new programme will allow young people looking to access further training, job placements and future apprenticeships to connect with our employers – photo courtesy of Weston College
“This programme will allow young people looking to access further training, job placements and future apprenticeships direct access to connect with our employer partners. It’s also an opportunity for employers to support our young people, the future workforce.”
The programme is a continuation of the Better Business initiative’s commitment to supporting young people in the city. Previous projects supported by the membership include Young Chefs, a chef course for young people who aren’t at work or in other education, and filmmaking course for young creatives, Stories from our City.
“Bristol24/7 has run, supported and collaborated on a range of initiatives to help people develop their skills, experience and confidence and support them to realise their career aspirations,” says Ben Wright, Managing Director of Bristol24/7.
“Over the last two years we have also looked for opportunities for our Better Business members and the wider Bristol community to be actively involved on these projects.
“At a time when the threat of unemployment is much greater and many traditional opportunities are no longer available, we’re particularly delighted to be partnering with Weston College on this programme and are really excited to see what opportunities it can open up.”
Potential trainees can express an interest by emailing traineeships.enquiries@weston.ac.uk to contact the college who will arrange support, placements and further progression to employment.
For further information regarding traineeships, visit www.weston.ac.uk/covidrecovery/traineeships
Main image: Weston College
Read more: Business leaders demand bolder action to avoid mass unemployment
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