Published: Wednesday, 13th March 2024
Young Enterprise (YE) have been successful in winning the contract for delivering the Raising Aspirations for Young People Programme in Cannock Chase District.
The programme aims to support young people in the District’s High Schools to raise their aspirations and to make informed decisions about subject choices and their future careers.
The funding for the programme (£80,000) has been allocated from the Council’s UK Shared Prosperity Funding (UKSPF) Investment Plan which received backing from Government in December 2022 and a total allocation of £3,021,807 to deliver the Council’s agreed UKSPF Investment Plan from 2022 to March 2025.
The programme aims to deliver a range of enterprise and employability programmes and will encompass financial capability and entrepreneurial skills, creating opportunities to raise aspirations, build confidence, adaptability, resourcefulness, and resilience. Ensuring equal opportunity of access, partnering with mainstream schools, Pupil Referral Units and SEND (Special Educational Needs) settings in the Cannock Chase District.
The programme will also enable young people to gain practical insight into the business start-up and development process.
Councillor Josh Newbury, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Leader for Regeneration and High Streets said “Our Investment Plan included a People and Skills priority that identified the need to support young people in local high schools. Our young people have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic which has left some feeling demoralised and lacking career focus. This project creates benefits for young people who are at risk of becoming NEET (Not in Education Employment or Training) or who are facing these education challenges.
“Too many young people are leaving school without the set of skills that will enable them to fulfil their potential. This programme will work with teenagers in local schools to equip them with the skills they need to access employment opportunities, when the time comes, and go on to thrive in the world of work.”
Sharon Davies, CEO of Young Enterprise said “As an organisation we are absolutely thrilled to be selected to partner with Cannock Chase Council to support young people through the ‘Raising Aspirations for Young People Programme'.
"We are passionate about developing the financial capabilities and enterprising mindset of the next generation. We believe that increased access to meaningful opportunities, combined with ongoing support, can change young people’s futures. We are looking forward to implementing the Programme in April 2024.”
The programme will run from 1 April 2024 until 31 March 2025.
The tender opportunity was advertised, 11 bids were received and evaluated - Young Enterprise (YE) submitted the winning bid.