YOUNG people in Berkshire are to be helped finding work thanks to a new industry skills scheme.
The South East has one of the highest rates of unemployment in the UK among the 16 to 24 age group.
Two thirds of young people in the region say the cost-of-living crisis has made it harder to find work while two in five employers say the economic climate means they are less likely to hire a young person.
Now UK Youth and KFC are rolling out a new employability programme called Hatch to help some 6,000 young people who have faced barriers to employment to build their work skills, confidence and get their first job.
The scheme, which was piloted in Manchester last year, will identify young people most in need and provide one-to-one training, support, and practical work experience, with an interview at KFC on graduation.
Meg Farren, general manager, KFC UK & Ireland, said the covid pandemic had denied work and skills opportunities to young people who now face uncertainty in the workplace due to the cost of living crisis.
“As one of the biggest youth employers in the country, we see first-hand how difficult it is for young people to build the skills and experience they need to enter the world of work in today’s economic climate. This is further exacerbated for those who have faced issues such as being excluded from education or formal training opportunities.
“There are buckets of talent across the UK, but all too often young people are cut out of accessing opportunities. That needs to change. That’s why we’re excited to be bringing our employability programme Hatch across the South East, to invest in the next generation and help unlock the potential of those who’ve faced barriers to employment. Working with UK Youth, Hatch will help young people across the South East to build their skills, confidence and land their first job.”
Jacob Diggle, director of strategy, research and impact at the young people’s charity, UK Youth, said their job prospects were crucial to the success of the economy in the South East and the rest of the country.
“Youth work can play a huge part in tackling the rise in youth unemployment. However, these life-changing services are under strain and need more support as highlighted by our cost-of-living campaign. The partnership between youth work and businesses is vital to meeting the scale of need.
“We are proud that our Hatch programme with KFC will help thousands of disadvantaged young people develop the confidence and skills they need to secure stable employment.”
UK Youth and KFC have called on the government to work more closely with businesses to ensure young people are being equipped with the skills that will help them thrive in the workplace. They are also calling for a joined-up strategy that brings together businesses with local authorities, job centres and youth work organisations to better connect young people with job and training opportunities in their local area.
Since piloting Hatch in Manchester last year, 80 young people have successfully graduated from the programme, with more than 50% finding full-time employment as a result. By 2024, KFC is aiming to have upskilled 1,100 young people, ensuring they’re ready for future work, training or education through the Hatch programme.
