Supporting youth employment in Loftus
Tuesday 14 September 2021
Two young people have received a welcome boost to their employment prospects thanks to an ambitious woodland we’re spearheading with Loftus Town Council.
The exciting environmental renewal scheme is transforming a 4.6-acre disused allotment site into an accessible woodland park that will enhance biodiversity and help to connect local people in Loftus to nature.
The work has provided employment opportunities through the government’s Kickstart programme which provides funding to create new jobs for 16 to 24 year olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long-term unemployment.
Local youngsters Jamie Richardson and Jack Beaumont are now nearing the end of their six-month placements, facilitated by Beyond Housing, where they have picked up a wide range of practical skills while working with Groundwork North East and Cumbria, a registered charitable organisation focused on supporting young people with training roles on environmental projects.
Jamie and Jack have learned woodland maintenance and management, earned certificates for the use of a range of tools, and gained valuable insight into working with communities and minority groups. Their increased understanding of maintaining a low carbon footprint and working within established health and safety guidelines will prove valuable assets when making future employment applications.
Jamie Richardson said: “This placement has been great for us. We both spend a lot of time gaming but this has got us out and about and meeting people.”
Jack Beaumont added: “We’ve learned new skills and pushed us outside of our comfort zone. We’ve both increased in confidence and built up our skill set.”
