Member Article

North East business leaders to tackle NEETs

Newcastle-based business, community and education leaders have launched four new initiatives, developed to reduce the number of local young people not in employment, education and training (NEETs).

The projects, centred around skills, employment and enterprise were announced at the Asian Business Connexions (ABC) Curry Club, at The Beacon on Westgate Road.

ABC, Newcastle College and hundreds of local businesses have all played a part in developing the projects after forming an innovative collaboration, which combines the ideas and knowledge of local education providers and employers.

The partnership is the culmination of two years’ worth of research and development, led by Ammar Mirza CBE and will help to transform the local labour market.

Mr Mirza talked about the initiatives, which include the Primary Inspiration in Education (PIE) project, Wellbeing and Business Bootcamp, the Nandwich and the Brilliant Beacon.

All of the projects are based around enterprise and have been designed to inspire young people to think about their future careers with the support of local employers, such as McDonald’s, Northumbrian Water, Barclays, AmmarM (UK) Limited and Reeds Rains.

Guy Opperman, a Hexham MP, Paul Woolston, Chair of the North East LEP, as well as Carole Kitching, Principal of Newcastle College, spoke about the challenges the region faces to support young people into employment and increase skills.

They also welcomed the collaboration between business and education as a fantastic step forward in tackling these challenges.

Carole Kitching, said: “Newcastle College is proud to be a part of this fantastic project.

“It is imperative that we find innovative ways to inspire disengaged young people and give them the skills and confidence that will not only prepare them for work, but will help them to make a valuable contribution to society.

“Business and Education working together can really make a difference.”