In August 2009, London Youth was one of the first host organisations to be awarded a contract from the Department for Work and Pensions to deliver 130 jobs for young people aged 18-24 through the Future Jobs Fund. The programme was put together to tackle the problem of rising unemployment across the country, initially targeting those who had been employed for six months or more, in some of the countries most deprived areas.

What we've been offering young people

Since October 2009, we've held a number of regular workshops for young unemployed jobseekers referred by the job centre. Delivered in a fun and interactive way, we used peer facilitators to enthuse young people about the jobs on offer and scheme as a whole. On our programme, all young people were paid London Living Wage, receiving up to £1,000 worth of training and were able to access additional opportunities across the organisation. Each placement was different and individually tailored to best match the needs, skills and aptitudes of those taking part.

What we’re shouting about!

• 130 young people have been successfully placed into work across 32 voluntary sector organisations

• 52% of Future Jobs Fund employees who complete the programme have found full time employment at the end of the six month placement

• 100% stated their confidence had significantly increased as a direct result of the Future Jobs Fund placement

• 90% stated the Future Jobs Fund made a difference to their career prospects

• ...% were placed into jobs within our membership – as well as capacity building, these roles often provided positive role models for other young people attending the youth projects

These placements have been a life-changing experience for many of the employees as Sufia, 19, from Tower Hamlets explains...

"When I was offered the job I was so happy and I couldn’t stop smiling and it felt like finally my life is about to go somewhere. I have always wanted to work in an office and be an administrator and I can finally do something I enjoy and go somewhere in life."

What’s next?

Passionate about supporting young unemployed people, London Youth is looking to develop its employability offer. For more information and a full copy of our impact report please contact Nicola Moore at nicola.moore@londonyouth.org.uk.

Young people’s hard work was recognised by a visit from the Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Yvette Cooper, to London Youth’s offices. Here she took part in an employability session aimed at helping those who have been given work to find jobs once the placement is complete.