Creating opportunities for youngsters

Young people who are not in education, employment or training can benefit from some expert advice this week on Thursday (26th June) as businesses and organisations come together for the “MyFuture” careers event. Why the event has been branded “MyFuture” rather than “My Future” is a mystery.

Organised by Tower Hamlets Council’s targeted youth support team, MyFuture, provides youngsters aged 16-19, and up to the age of 25 for those with special educational needs (SEN) or learning disabilities and difficulties (LDD), the opportunity to gain expert knowledge from employers, colleges and training providers.

Many young people will have the chance to build their confidence and speak directly with employers and training providers attending the event looking to recruit the local talent for jobs and apprenticeships. Those attending include the council’s job brokerage service, Skillsmatch and representatives from one of the UK’s most significant infrastructure projects, Crossrail.

The council has consistently hit its targets for reducing the number of 16-18 year olds not in education, employment or training. The latest figures for the DFE measure period of November 2013 to January 2014 show the lowest figure ever in Tower Hamlets of 4.6%

Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman, said: “Job fairs such as the MyFuture event are just one of the ways we work with young people not in education, employment or training. We provide a range of services, from mentoring to working with those identified as most at risk, to support them in reaching their potential. Young people are faced with a great number of challenges today and I am absolutely determined to ensure they have the right advice to help them make an informed choice about their future.”

Currently almost 800,000 young people across England are not in any employment, education or training. The council’s targeted youth support team have been working hard with various Council and Third sector partners to engage with the teenagers at a local level.

Deputy Mayor and Cabinet member for Economic Development Cllr Oliur Rahman said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for young people to speak directly with professionals. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants some advice on planning their next move.”

For enquires or support, young people can contact LBTH Targeted Youth Support on 0207-364 5834/1956 or email targeted.support@towerhamlets.gov.uk