Ladder for Shropshire working to improve youth unemployment
The Ladder for Shropshire is looking to get more young people into employment as figures show those seeking work having more than doubled in Shropshire.
As anticipated the Covid pandemic has had huge impacts on unemployment amongst 16 to 24 year olds, with those registered with the Department for Work and Pensions at the end of October hitting 3,943 compared with 1,633 at the beginning of the year.
The biggest impact has been felt in Bridgnorth where there has been an increase from 117 to 322.
The biggest increase in unemployment was between June and September and though we have not seen significant increases, numbers are not yet falling.
The Ladder for Shropshire was launched in October and has been working to develop apprenticeship, traineeship and kickstart opportunities for young people.
Working in partnership with the Shropshire Star, the Ladder is reaching out to employers to encourage them to step up and ensure that this generation of young people is not forgotten and is able to take its place in contributing to the economic recovery of the area post-pandemic.
Amanda Carpenter, project lead for the Ladder, said: "I am overwhelmed by the support of local employers who are stepping up and offering opportunities.
"We have created apprenticeships that are currently being advertised in engineering, business administration, manufacturing, warehousing, customer service and computer programming, and the first positions to join the Ladder are being filled."
Buzz
Employers are also coming forward with positive support for the Ladder, offering to use their own experience of apprenticeships to become Ladder Ambassadors.
Amanda added: “These incredible local businesses are happy to spread the word in their own network and champion apprenticeships, this helps create a ‘buzz’ and gets people talking about apprenticeships.
"We would love to hear from other employers who would consider showcasing their experiences to encourage others.
"We are engaging with all sizes of employers, however in Shropshire 90 per cent of apprenticeships are with organisations employing less than 10 people and we are so grateful to them for their foresightedness in training the next generation.
"I look forward to more phone calls and emails from employers whose businesses can also benefit from a new young recruit."
To contact Amanda email amanda@ladderforshropshire.org or call 0800 999 8441.
