The YES. Youth Employment Service – a collaboration between Ipswich Borough Council and Inspire – has seen 34 young adults in Ipswich engage with career support.
YES supports individuals not in employment or education with one-to-one sessions, access to workshops to gain confidence and identify the next steps towards a fulfilling career.
Referrals to the programme can be made by parents, apprenticeship or education providers, the Department for Work and Pensions or local authority support workers, with tailored plans that meet individual needs.
George was referred to YES by one of his parents who heard about the programme. With amazing sports skills, he just needed to boost his confidence. After just six weeks receiving support, he secured two job interviews and a sports coach position for summer holiday clubs, with the YES team continuing to support him through his employment.
Sydney first engaged with YES at a Suffolk One event for young people considering leaving education. Having taken an arts course at college, Sydney wanted to put those skills to good use working creatively with young children. Volunteering at a local nursery was secured, progressing to an apprenticeship. Alongside this, Sydney was introduced to Lofty Heights to enrol on a social care and childcare course, with further work placements. Sydney now feels much better about her future, with everything moving in the right direction.
Taylor was referred by to the service by Suffolk County Council after finishing school. After one-to-one sessions, Taylor joined a team development programme. Twelve weeks later, having completed the course Taylor gained an employability Level 1 qualification. Following the course, Taylor is now studying at Otley College and looking to develop a career in construction.
Councillor Neil MacDonald, Ipswich Borough Council Leader, says:
“It’s fantastic that the YES. Youth Employment Service partnership has already helped 34 young adults since it launched last month.
It’s important that the next generation has dedicated support available to help them to succeed. The YES project team can help with confidence building, access to resources, and find career pathways - offering help that works.
I feel this initiative will go from strength to strength.”
Jackie Partridge, Post 16 Project Manager at Inspire, adds:
"Thanks to the support of Ipswich Borough Council, our Youth Employment Service has been able to extend its reach to empower even more young people across Suffolk. This service is a crucial resource for our current and future youth. It not only offers them personalised and consistent support, but it also raises their ambitions for the future.
Many of these young people have faced academic challenges, dropped out of college, and encountered numerous personal hurdles, but the Youth Employment Service gives them a sense of hope.”
