Pioneering work experience for Sandwell youngsters

The pioneering new scheme will start next year and is because council leaders believe it is vital young, out of work, youngsters need specialised help to get them on the employment ladder.

The council already offers work experience placements for youngsters usually for two-weeks at a time in the final stages of their school careers.

But it is now planned to launch a brand new scheme for youngsters who have left school at 16 and have not gone on to further education or university and have not got a job.

They will be offered three-month placements with the council where they will be given high calibre specialised training.

It will be available to all youngsters living in the borough.

Sandwell Council leader Councillor Darren Cooper said: "Specialised work experience for young people is now more vital than ever. These are the people who are our future.

"This will be aimed at our youngsters who for a variety of reasons have missed out on further education or university and find they cannot get employment.

"We believe we are the first local authority in the country to offer this sort of specialised training and it is a major development for Sandwell.

"These youngsters are vital for the future of the area and must not be allowed to fall into unemployment  at the first hurdle.

"We have spent the last 12 months looking at how we can help and this is clearly the way forward."

Councillor Cooper said at the end of the three month placement the youngsters would have gained vital experience and developed first class CVs.

"They will have developed the skills to get them into work and make something of their lives," he added.