Ryan FowlerUKSE has partnered with YMCA North Staffordshire to fund a bursary scheme aimed at helping young people aged under 25 overcome financial barriers to employment.
The UKSE Employability Bursaries provide targeted support for practical costs including interview clothing, travel to interviews and the early weeks of work before wages are received.
The scheme also covers essential work-related items such as tools and equipment, along with costs linked to employment requirements including Construction Skills Certification Scheme cards and identification documents.
The initiative is designed to address immediate financial obstacles that can prevent young people from accessing or sustaining employment opportunities.
One beneficiary, Djwanna, used the funding to purchase hairdressing equipment and said: “The funding for equipment means I can practice my skills and has helped me to secure work experience. I can also create a portfolio to show to potential employers in the future.”
Her experience reflects the scheme’s focus on enabling young people to build skills and demonstrate capability to potential employers.
UKSE, which provides investments of up to £1m to support business growth and job creation, operates across the West Midlands from its base in Cannock and supports SMEs across Birmingham, the Black Country, Coventry, Staffordshire and Telford.
Steve Grice, regional manager midlands at UKSE, said: “As part of UKSE’s drive to help the local economy grow and prosper we recognise the significant difference which accessing small amounts can make to a young person looking to secure work so we were delighted to partner YMCA North Staffordshire to fund their programme.
“We know how YMCA North Staffordshire play a vital role in helping young people to get into work in the early stages of their careers so we are pleased to support the bursaries.”
