New Youth Employment Hub to tackle post-pandemic unemployment
A new youth employment hub is now open to Brighton & Hove residents under the age of 25. The hub provides digital and in person support for young people to reach their education, employment and training goals.
Brighton & Hove City Council bid for government money to fund the hub in response to the negative impact the pandemic has had on youth employment. At times, there has been more than a 150% increase in youth unemployment since the pandemic struck in March 2020.
The creation and running of the hub is a joint partnership between the council and the department for work and pensions (DWP).
Careers advice, job opportunities and training
Premises to the east of the city in Montague Place, Kemp Town offer a physical space for young people to meet with a benefits adviser or support worker and access computers and careers advice. The venue is not far from Brighton Job Centre and a short walk from both the seafront and Sussex County Hospital bus routes.
A digital hub, launched on 20 July 2021, provides online access to information about local jobs and training opportunities, colleges and courses, how to write a stand-out CV, applying for university and how to find financial support and benefits.
The project aims to support at least 500 young people over the course of the next year and increase employment of 18 to 24-year-olds in the city through training, up-skilling, volunteering and apprenticeships.
Rise in youth unemployment
Councillor Hannah Clare, Chair of the Children, Young People and Skills Committee, said: “Young people have been affected by the pandemic in many ways, and not least through the increase in youth unemployment.
“Vital industries, like culture, hospitality and tourism, that keep our city thriving have closed and it’s the young people who often fill these jobs who have suffered the consequences. The job market for people leaving education has also left many looking for jobs for the first time without opportunities.
“It’s therefore critical that we do all we can to reduce the alarming rise in youth unemployment and support young people to fulfil their potential and find work.
“I’m thrilled we are opening both a digital and physical youth unemployment hub to support with this effort, alongside existing fantastic services like the Youth Employability Service and youth services across the city, who are continuing to support young people through this time.”
Steve Benwell, employment and skills lead for DWP in Brighton & Hove added: “We are really excited to be supporting the development of a youth hub for the city. Youth unemployment has more than doubled over the course of the last year, and there are many young people out there who are anxious, feel isolated and are suffering from a lack of confidence.
“The youth employment hub is a safe and friendly space where young people can get all the advice, encouragement and support they need to regain their confidence and develop new skills”.
Supporting young people and your business
If you could support young people with education, employment and training in Brighton & Hove, attend the Digital Youth Employment Hub’s virtual welcome session to find out how to get involved.
Sandra Murphy of Business Doctors, writes about how businesses can access the hub to find talent for their business.
(pic left to right: Deb Austin, BHCC director of families, children & learning, Elle Dyson, youth employability officer, Councillor Hannah Clare, chair of Children, Young People & Skills Committee.)