I can’t get a job without experience and I can’t get experience without a job… ‘YES’ you can, according to Anne Richardson from the Department’s Careers Service
One of the most concerning aspects of the economic downturn is its impact on our young people. It is clear that many young people face a ‘catch-22’ situation as they leave full-time education…“I can’t get a job without experience and I can’t get experience without a job.”
The Department for Employment and Learning recently launched the Youth Employment Scheme (YES). YES is delivered by the Department’s Employment Service and Careers Service who assess the skills of unemployed young people and match them with participating employers.
This scheme is focussed on helping those young people aged 18 to 24 who are ‘job ready’ to get a firm foothold on the career ladder. The Scheme does this in three ways: by offering short work experience ‘taster’ placements; longer-term skill development placements; and also job opportunities.
So what are the benefits? For the young person it is the start that they need. It gives them the opportunity to show what they can do. For employers, it is about having a new person on board who they can work closely with, get to know and decide if this young person has what their business needs. YES offers three main options on a totally flexible basis for both employers and young people:
Taster work experience opportunities lasting from two to eight weeks across all sectors will allow job ready young people to experience the world of work.
The Skills Development Programme offers a new sector-specific 26 to 39 week period of work experience, flexibly blended with skills training to develop, or build on, relevant qualifications. Participants will be paid a training allowance equivalent to a £45 top up to their Benefit and may be entitled to assistance with travel and childcare costs. Employers will receive help with training costs up to a maximum of £750.
Employers offering permanent full-time jobs to young people in the jobs growth areas may be able to avail of an enhanced employer subsidy of up to £5,750 for a year, provided they allow the young person to continue with their skills development.
For further information on YES call the Department on 028 9025 2316 or contact your local Jobs and Benefits Office. Also, visit www.nidirect.gov.uk/yes or email YES@delni.gov.uk