Successful training and employment support for Ipswich young people to continue

Published3rd March 2023

Ipswich Borough Council will extend its support for young people this year to support the transition through education, employment, and training thanks to successful outcomes.

The pandemic recovery and difficult economic situation are adversely impacting young people, pushing more 16-24 years to not be in employment, education, or training (NEET).

Thanks to the success of the Council’s NEET programme in Ipswich during the last year (2022/23) this support will continue for a further year (2023/24).

Conrad, Jessica and Louise have all been supported, thanks to specially targeted programmes.

Conrad wanted to improve his skills to get a job, so thanks to Volunteering Matters was matched with a Prince’s Trust programme to help with employability skills and work experience. Conrad now has a job working for a local distribution company.

West Suffolk College were able to help Louise find a placement and support her from their base in Ipswich, so that she could successfully enrol on a Dental Nursing Course.

Jessica lacked confidence, self-esteem and was struggling with her mental health. She attended art therapy sessions and was supported to undertake animal care at local stables with Volunteering Matters. She is now exploring education and training options that will lead to paid work.

Councillor David Ellesmere, Ipswich Borough Council Leader and Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Property, says:

“There have been wonderful success stories in the last year thanks to this dedicated programme. It offers a real boost for the Ipswich economy, encouraging young people with personal development to enable employability.

“We are so pleased with the positive results achieved last year and hope to see this support continue so that many more young people, education providers and employers in Ipswich can all benefit.”