Young people on the way up

Brighton & Hove has had its best ever results helping young people (16-19) back into work, employment or training, and is the most improved local authority in the South East.

The latest Children & Young People Committee report cites recent figures published by DfE which show that over the period January 2012 – January 2013, Brighton & Hove has been one of the most improved in England.

In just over a year, the council’s Youth Employability Service (YES) has helped 463 young people find education, employment or training.

The service is currently developing an iPhone app which will allow young people to connect ‘on the go’ with the service and apply for work from a feed provided by Brighton & Hove Jobs.

Young people using YES have the opportunity to join the Youth Employability Panel, where they can shape the service for their peers, and help influence developments such as the iPhone app. Through participation in the panel, young people have the opportunity to gain a Brighton & Hove Youth Award.

Jay (18) said: “Before I started working with my YES Advisor Elle, I found it really hard to write my CV and search for jobs which made me feel unmotivated. Then I started working with Elle who helped me gain confidence, and she helped me find an apprenticeship as well as a part-time job. It’s thanks to Elle and YES that I am now working.”

Cllr Sue Shanks, Chair of the Children & Young People Committee said: “This has been a hugely successful year for the Youth Employability Service, and our advisors have worked very hard to respond to the different needs young people in our city have. It’s all about finding the right route for the individual because not all young people want to go to university.”

Notes to Editors

Find out more about the Youth Employability Service

Look at the Children & Young People Committee report

Check out the Facebook page www.facebook.com/yesbrightonhove