11-year-olds being prepared for work by ‘Believe in Young People’ charity to cut youth unemployment
!['Believe in Young People' charity's Tanja Kuveljic [inset] and Bishop Challoner Secondary, one schoo](https://images.cm.archant.co.uk/resource/image/3507098/landscape_ratio16x9/448/252/c090b7e6a82a6c3d4c1fdf653723ff51/zh/el-46-education-believe-yojng-.jpg)
'Believe in Young People' charity's Tanja Kuveljic [inset] and Bishop Challoner Secondary, one school involved in its 'work ethic' programme - Credit: Archant
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.
Most Read
- 1 Jailed: 8 east London offenders put behind bars in June
- 2 Police officer sacked for 'turning blind eye’ to criminal husband
- 3 Former Tower Hamlets councillor publishes autobiography on life as a hijabi woman
- 4 Bow Lock murder defendants blame each other for fatal attack
- 5 Three stabbed in Chrisp Street chicken shop
- 6 Woman treated at scene as 40 firefighters called to Bow tower block
- 7 8 charged after drugs raids in Hackney and Tower Hamlets
- 8 Census 2021 indicates baby boom in one east London borough
- 9 Man accused of Yasmin Begum killing denies murder and burglary
- 10 Council rapped by ombudsman after not following safeguarding procedures
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.
