New Directions College secures funding for over 100 jobs for young people in Reading

READING Borough Council’s learning and employment service for adults has secured funding to generate 110 jobs with local employers as part of the Government’s Kickstart Scheme and the Council’s economic response to building back better following Covid-19.

New Directions College has been working with the Department for Work and Pensions since October 2020. The college has now been approved for a grant to fund 110 job placements with local employers.

15 of the placements are within Reading Borough Council and will see young people employed across a range of departments, receiving high-quality, on-the-job training and support.

Cllr Ashley Pearce, lead Member for Education said:

“This is such positive news for Reading and our local communities. Young people aged 16 -24 have been particularly hard hit by the pandemic and these work and training placements will provide real opportunities for sustained future employment.”

New Directions College is also working closely with Job Centre Plus to secure candidates for these positions, and to provide specialist ‘Step-into Kickstart’ education and training.

The Kickstart Scheme is part of the Government’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan which fully funds a 6-month job placement for young people who are unemployed and claiming universal credit.

The college will continue to work with employers to deliver high-quality skills and training for young people and the wider staff, including progression to Apprenticeships and accredited vocational skills.

For more information on the Kickstart Scheme contact Besmir Baxha, Curriculum Manager for Apprenticeships and Vocational Education, on 07929 787 697, or email besmir.baxha@reading.gov.uk

New Directions College offers the opportunity for Reading residents to learn a wide range of skills in areas including English & Maths, IT & Digital and a host of vocational courses and Apprenticeships.  There are also programmes for those looking for support with employment and work skills.  The College also offers a range of Arts & Crafts, Food & Drink, Health & Wellbeing and Language courses.

If you have been affected by COVID-19 and need to up-skill or re-skill, more information about courses offered by New Directions can be found on their website at www.newdirectionsreading.ac.uk

ENDS