Salford young people build skills and confidence through summer employability programmes

Young people across Salford are being given the opportunity to develop new skills, gain practical experience and explore future careers through a series of hands-on programmes this summer to explore future employment and education pathway opportunities.

Salford City Council is working with local businesses and organisations as part of the Council’s wider work to support young people into education, training and employment, designed to build confidence, develop skills and open doors into future careers.

The approach reflects findings from the Milburn Review, which described youth unemployment as a whole-system issue and highlighted the importance of stronger partnerships, work experience and clearer pathways from education into employment.

Part of Salford's wider Youth Employment Partnership, the programme brings together organisations from education, employment, health, welfare and the voluntary and community sector to improve outcomes for young people and the support they need to succeed. Opportunities include:

• Construction (Pendleton), delivered with Morgan Sindall.
• Construction (Eccles), delivered with Frameworks at the Peel Green Construction Skills Centre.
• Riding to Success, a bike maintenance and repair programme delivered with Manchester Bike Kitchen.
• Nails and Beauty, delivered with Pink Academy. 

The summer programmes complement the wider support available through Salford City Council for young people aged 16 to 18 (or up to the age of 25 for those who have an Education, Health and Care Plan), including help with CVs, applications, interview techniques, careers advice and finding education, training and employment opportunities.

Councillor Michele Barnes, Lead Member for Skills and Work, Workforce and Industrial Relations, said:

“Every summer, young people across the country are at risk of losing momentum before they have the chance to make a strong start in September. In Salford, we’re really pleased to be supporting programmes like this, delivered with partners such as Morgan Sindall Construction, that help to keep young people engaged and supported during this time. Last year showed what that support can achieve, with most participants moving on to positive destinations, and we're proud to see that work continue this year.”

“As the Milburn Review makes clear, youth unemployment isn't an individual failure; it requires joined-up local action. That's why we're working with partners to create opportunities to gain real experience, learn practical skills and discover careers they may never have considered before and give young people the confidence to have a go and show them that there are opportunities out there for them.

“We want young people in Salford to have the skills, experience and support they need to succeed, and we're committed to make sure they get that chance.”

The summer programme forms part of Salford's wider Youth Employment Partnership approach, which brings together organisations from across education, employment, health, welfare and the voluntary and community sector to improve outcomes for young people.

The Council is also working to develop stronger links between young people and employers, recognising the importance of work experience and clear pathways from education into employment.

The programme is part of Salford's commitment to ensuring young people have the skills, experience, confidence and support they need to build successful futures. The council's wider programme includes Find Your Future to support young people, engagement programmes and pathways into employment.