Youth hub opens in Telford to support young people into work
Young people in Telford are set to benefit from expanded employment support through the area’s first Youth Hub, as the government continues to deliver opportunity directly into the heart of the community.
Youth Hubs are located in an expanding number of locations across the country such as libraries and community centres, offering a range of support to help young people move closer to employment.
In Telford, the Youth Hub will be based in Telford Shopping Centre and will be open Monday to Saturday for young people seeking support.
It will follow the model of other Youth Hubs, which bring together Jobcentre Plus, local authority services, employers and training providers under one roof to provide vital help to get young people aged 16 to 24 the skills to get into work.
Youth Hubs are a key part of the Government’s £2.5 billion youth employment support package.
Over the next three years, the Government is expanding its network of Youth Hubs to over 360 local areas across Great Britain, with the aim that a young person is no more than one hour away from a Youth Hub by public transport.
The Telford Youth Hub will be based at Telford College Skills Shop. Unit 103 Telford Shopping Centre, TF3 4AE.
It will work with local partners including Telford College, Telford & Wrekin Council, Landau and CVS Telford and Wrekin to help young people overcome barriers to work and move into employment.
Alongside supporting young people, the Telford College Skills Shop helps local businesses by equipping job seekers with qualifications and training they need to be workplace ready, including through its Retail and Hospitality Academy, which supports Telford Centre businesses train and upskill their workforce.
Pat McFadden, Work and Pensions Secretary, said:
“This new Youth Hub marks a major step forward for young people in Telford, delivering real support and opportunity right here in the community.
"We are determined to bring opportunity to every corner of the country because no matter where you grow up, you deserve the chance to earn, to learn and to get on in life."
Councillor Shirley Reynolds, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People, Education, Employment and Skills, said:
“We’re thrilled to see the launch of the new youth hub which expands the support which is available for young people across Telford and Wrekin.
“Working with our partners, the hub will complement Telford Job Box, a free service at Southwater One in central Telford which offers a dedicated space where young people can receive tailored support and helps residents, including young people, to access employment, training, and education opportunities.
"This runs alongside our Telford and Wrekin Skills Strategy and our Stay Near, Go Far campaign, where we’re continuing to broaden opportunities and raise awareness of the wide range of skills, learning, and employment support available to help people stay local and succeed.
“It will also further enhance our existing youth offer, which provides advice and information on activities, support and wellbeing, reinforcing our commitment to ensuring every young person in Telford and Wrekin feels valued, supported and empowered to thrive."
Sarah Davies, Executive Director of Partnerships and Employer Engagement at Telford College, said:
“We’re proud to be delivering this project in Telford in partnership with DWP, Telford & Wrekin Council and Landau.
"Previously, many young people who needed this specialist support have had to travel to Shrewsbury to get it.
"Now it's right here on their doorstep, with employment support, training, mentoring and wellbeing help all under one roof.
"That makes a real difference because an extra bus journey can be one more barrier between them and the help they need.
"The hub sits within the new Telford College Skills Shop, our initiative to bring skills and workforce development opportunities into the heart of the town centre, helping retailers and hospitality businesses train their teams and find the talent they need."
As part of the expansion, every Youth Hub will meet a set of minimum standards, ensuring young people can access on-site jobcentre support alongside mental health and housing support, skills and training opportunities, careers guidance and direct connections to employers with live job and apprenticeship opportunities.