More business partnerships sought to help young people

YMCA Derbyshire has launched a hunt for more businesses to partner with who can provide vital work experience and employability skills to its young people.

The youth charity has already given more than 100 young people to chance to work for a range of companies and organisations, including Toyota Manufacturing UK, Mercia Image Print and the University of Derby.

The charity, which helps over 300 people each year who are at risk of facing homelessness, is now on the hunt for more partnerships to support young people into work.

One of its most successful business partnerships has been with Toyota, which has delivered a work placement programme in partnership with YMCA Derbyshire for the last six years.

The 23-week programme has provided many young people with the chance to gain support with their maths and English, alongside help on CV writing and interview techniques.

Young people also have an opportunity to complete 120 hours work experience within Toyota UK’s supply chain.

Many young people who graduated from the programme have gone on to employment, both within the Toyota supply chain and in other businesses.

Mandy-Jayne Evans, senior specialist for young people’s education at Toyota, runs the programme from the business side.

She said: “The Working Assets Programme supported by Toyota UK Burnaston, Derbyshire and The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) is a great way for young people to experience the workplace while gaining valuable knowledge to support their working journey.

“We are delighted to continue our great partnership with the YMCA and their young people; we encourage other organisations to get involved.”

Louise Curd, director of lifelong learning at YMCA Derbyshire, said: “This is just one wonderful example of working with a Derbyshire business to help young people gain confidence, increase their self-esteem and build their aspirations, all with the aim of moving them along their positive pathway and towards employment.

“We are so thankful to all the businesses that have given our young people vital work experience.

“Opportunities as simple as a visit to a business to start to understand the workplace or speaking to employees really does make a difference.

“We are now searching for more fantastic partnerships to ensure the next generation of our city and county are skilled, happy and able to play a full part in society.”

Firm and organisations who would like to get involved should email louise.curd@ymcaderbyshire.org.uk.