New Year Opportunities for Reading’s NEET Young People

19-1-2010

Traditionally the start of a New Year is one of the busiest times in the job market, however the start of 2010 is looking bleak for young job seekers, with unemployment figures predicted to rise to 2.8 million, according to the latest forecast from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

Although times may be tough, young people currently looking for training opportunities in Reading can rely on Connexions Berkshire to link them with some brilliant local opportunities, which could give them the skills and experience they need to boost their chances of landing a permanent role in the future.

Connexions Berkshire is a service that offers confidential and impartial information, advice and guidance to young people, aged 13-19 or up to 25 for those with learning difficulties or disabilities, on a range of issues including; careers, education, work and training, housing, sexual health, relationships and substance misuse, as they make the transition into adulthood.

There are currently a range of training schemes available which will give young people the opportunity to learn new vocational skills and gain experience in; construction, sports coaching, beauty, motor mechanics, customer care and care (children, the elderly and adults with learning difficulties or disabilities) and other work areas.  Young people could also gain useful transferable qualifications in First Aid and Health and Safety, as well as improving their basic skills (literacy and numeracy) and fitness.

Carolyn Taylor, Senior Team Leader at the Reading Connexions Centre, said, “Although the economy is coming out of recession, recovery in the job market, throughout 2010, looks as if it will be slow. This will particularly hit young job seekers, who are hoping to get on the first rung of the career ladder. Thankfully, it’s not all bad news. There are various training courses available to young people who are currently NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) which will equip them with vital CV writing, interview and presentation skills, plus they’ll have the opportunity to undertake some really useful work experience, which will benefit them as the economy improves and employers begin to recruit again.”

Young people from Reading joining any of the schemes available in the local area will automatically be entitled to £30 per week Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA).

Parents and carers, of young people who join a course, may be eligible for £80 per month Child Benefit (payable for a first or only child – a lower amount is payable for subsequent children). They might also be entitled to Children’s Tax Credit (this is dependant on salary, number of hours worked and number of children). If eligible, Children’s Tax Credit ceases when a young person is NEET, but recommences when a young person is in education or training. PLEASE NOTE benefits can vary according to the type of training undertaken and your personal circumstances.

Any NEET young people, or parents or carers of NEET young people, who would like to find out more about the various schemes available can make an appointment to meet with a fully trained Connexions Personal Adviser or Employment and Training Adviser at the Reading Connexions Centre at 136/7 Friar Street, Reading, RG1 1XE by calling 0845 408 5004, by emailing: reading@connexions-berkshire.org.uk or by calling into the Centre Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 9am - 5pm or Thursday 9am - 4pm.