by Gráinne Connolly
Young people in the Derry City and Strabane District are being offered the chance to be a part of team, which would help local employers get youths on the career leader.
Twenty people under the age of 25 will be selected to be as part of a group, responsible for developing a special Business Youth Charter.
It would raise awareness of the support that's out there for young people looking for work.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor John Boyle said the group would play a valuable part in the campaign to get more youngsters into employment:
“The Business Youth Charter will offer the opportunity to showcase the excellent work that’s already being done locally by employers to support young people.
“The group will assist in raising awareness about the opportunities that are out there, and the companies who play an active role in identifying and cultivating new talent.
“It can be extremely daunting for young people faced with the prospect of finding employment and a suitable career pathway for them.
"The new Charter will recognise employers who work opportunities which will open the door for younger people.”
To get involved candidates must be under 25-years-old, and can be in work, education or neither, with an interest in highlighting the work being done by local businesses to support young people seeking employment.
Project Officer with Council Hollie Carroll said:
“Council’s research shows young people identify challenges including a lack of jobs, careers advice and apprenticeships, and little opportunity for small business innovation.
“We’re working to address those concerns and in keeping with our Strategic Growth Plan objective of creating a better skilled and educated workforce, we want to support and motivate our young people in achieving their ambitions.”
Participants must be willing to dedicate three half days to progress the stages of the Charter.
The first session took place on Wednesday September 26 but there is still an opportunity for people to get involved for the next dates which are Wednesday October 17, Friday October 19, and Thursday October 25.
Those involved will complete two questionnaires and will also consider how the Charter can be inclusive for all communities.
This project is supported by the European Union’s PEACE IV Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
To get involved or to find out more contact Hollie Carroll at hollie.carroll@derrystrabane.
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