A training partnership which has helped to transform dozens of young people’s lives in North Tyneside has held a celebration for its ‘Class of 2017’.
Working Roots is a work-based training partnership between North Tyneside Council, Kier North Tyneside, and Justice Prince CIC.
The scheme offers practical training experience for young people aged 16-18 who are NEET (not in employment, education, or training), and aims to build their confidence and improve their future job prospects.
So far, the programme has supported dozens of trainees to learn skills in gardening, fencing, painting and decorating, which they have then used to revitalise hundreds of council-owned properties and gardens.
This year’s group of 22 young people were presented with certificates by North Tyneside’s Elected Mayor, Norma Redfearn.
She said: “Working Roots is a fantastic initiative which has gone from strength to strength in its first four years and I have to say well done to these young people; I think they’ve learned a lot over the last 12 months and I hope it’s equipped them well for the big wide world. I also hope that local businesses will take notice or our young people when they’re looking to recruit.
“The initiative has won local and national awards in past years and been nominated for four national awards this year, which is a remarkable achievement. It’s not always an easy task getting all these organisations to work so well together, but when you’ve got the right people all wanting to achieve the same things, then great things can happen.
“I would like to thank the trainees and their supervisors, our colleagues in the council and Justice Prince, and the staff at Kier North Tyneside for all their hard work and commitment to what is a very effective partnership.
“We look forward to seeing what next year brings for this fantastic initiative.”
Since its launch in 2013, the scheme has seen around 65 trainees [including this year’s cohort of 22] successfully complete the course, with some going on to secure employment or further training opportunities.
Kier regional director, Mike Furze, said: "The Working Roots scheme is a fantastic example of genuine partnerships benefiting everybody concerned. Between Kier North Tyneside, North Tyneside Council and Justice Prince, we are improving job prospects for disadvantaged youngsters and raising the standard of living for many residents in the borough.
"The trainees themselves deserve the greatest credit though - they're dedicated and determined, making a real difference not just to their own lives, but to their local community. We're so proud to be a part of this.”
Chief Officer of Justice Prince, Karen Clark, added: “Working Roots is a bespoke programme, set up in direct response to the voice and needs of marginalised young people living in North Tyneside. It has grown from strength to strength with a proven track record in transforming lives and neighbourhoods”.