More than 400 young people across West Norfolk are one step away from getting extra help to access work or training.
King’s Lynn just needs Government approval to unlock £442,000 of help to support a Youth Retraining Pledge.
This will pay for a two-year programme to help 15-18 year-olds in education and 18-30 year-olds who are working to raise their aspirations, increase their involvement in learning, and help them gain skills to get a job or boost their career.
A number of local organisations will work together to deliver the programme.
David Pomfret, Principal of the College of West Anglia, said: “As a member of the Town Deal Board, and Principal of the College of West Anglia, I am delighted that the first of the seven Town Deal business cases to be signed off by the Town Deal Board is the King’s Lynn Youth Retraining Pledge.
“Participation and achievement levels among young people are historically low in west Norfolk – well below both the national and Norfolk averages. Many young people are employed with no training at all. Local employers have long cited the skills gap as an issue for their business.”
“The pledge aims to address this by engaging with local employers to facilitate industry-related learning, work-based training, and work inspiration. It will also support the transition of young people into further training and into employment with training, removing personal barriers to progression, utilising a range of employability, training and positive activities.”
The partnership, which includes the College of West Anglia and Norfolk Adult/Community Learning Services, will provide targeted training aimed at the needs of young people linked into local businesses.
An additional £37,900 of money from the public sector will also help fund it.
Mr Pomfret said: “With approval from the Government and support from the Town Deal fund, we are delighted to be part of this project, which will inestimably improve the lives and education opportunities available in the local area.”
Tom Humphries, Norfolk County Council Project Manager, said: “The Youth Retraining project is an exciting opportunity to support the aspirations and future career prospects for young people in the town.”