A campaign launched in east London by a youth education and employment charity is aiming to help school pupils aged 11 to 18 prepare for future employment and guide them into fulfilling careers.

The ‘Believe in Young People’ charity wants to prevent school-leavers joining the 14,000 currently unemployed in Tower Hamlets alone.

So it has started a programme helping youngsters understand and develop their skills and behaviours while still in school or college.

“We work to instil a belief in young people to reach their true potential,” the charity’s chief executive Tanja Kuveljic said. “We do this by progressing their skills and behaviours from Year 7 upwards.

“Our programme brings the world of work into the curriculum and connects young people to the working world through real life experiences, ultimately reducing youth unemployment.”

Its approach has been to “simplify and join up” best practice between employers and schools, while “focusing on the learner at all times”.

The charity, which already works with Stepney’s Bishop Challoner Collegiate, Wapping High and Bow secondary schools, is now aiming to sign up more colleges and schools to its employer partnerships.

Companies involved include Costa, Hilton Worldwide and Premier Inn which offer work experience placements — they have 1,300 one-week work experience placements available across London.

The companies have committed investment in communities which involve school-leavers who start with them and progress into future roles as managers and business leaders.

The National Apprenticeship Service’s Seymour Pearman said: “It’s increasingly important for young people to be exposed to the world of work.

“The charity is able to build a bridge between schools, colleges and employers by embedding its programme into the curriculum in a simple and joined-up activity.

“It’s not just about exams — but about enabling youngsters to make informed choices on their best options for a fulfilling career.”

Schools interested in the programme can call 01908-695560, or go online to Believe in Young People.