Funding secured to help young people's skills

Two Surrey councils have secured funding to help young people in the boroughs to find a new job, training, or an apprenticeship.

A total of £54,000 from the Department of Work and Pensions was given to Elmbridge and Runnymede borough councils which they said would continue the support for young people through the Elmbridge and Runnymede Youth Hub.

The Youth Hub, established in 2021, will equip up to 120 young people with the skills, abilities, and knowledge they need to get into work, the councils said.

It helped young people affected by the Covid-19 pandemic who were struggling to find or return to work, or for training.

In the last 10 months, Runnymede Borough Council said the Youth Hub had supported 125 young people with tailored advice and support.

This has led to 44 young people finding employment, apprenticeships, work experience or placements, and a further 41 young people have now received additional training to enhance their skills and strengthen their CV, the council said.

In a joint statement, the four co-leaders of Runnymede Borough Council said: "Even nearly three years after the worst effects of Covid, it’s clear the pandemic had a significant impact on younger people in many ways, including employment and their education.

"It is vital that help is made available which is why we’re delighted to have secured funding from government to invest in this important service."