How to join new Hartlepool initiative which has already helped dozens of people into work

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The Hub has been created through a partnership between Hartlepool Borough Council, Jobcentre Plus, National Careers Service and a range of other partners.

These include Tees Valley Youth Employment Initiative, Youth Support Service, colleges and specialist training providers.

Based at Hartlepool Enterprise Centre, in Brougham Terrace, The Hub provides comprehensive support for young people aged 16-29 who are not in work, education or training.

Standing, left to right, at the launch of the new Hartlepool Hub are Tim Fleming, Michaela Ryan and Gemma Peak. Sitting, left to right, are Denise McGuckin and Shane Moore. Picture by FRANK REID.

They can receive:

Careers education, information and advice with a named careers adviser providing both one-to-one and group support; Specialist workshop support so that they are ready to enter the jobs market; Programmes to develop skills and gain work experience linked to employers within growth employment sectors who will offer guaranteed interviews; Training programmes, including online learning, linked to employment opportunities; Voluntary work placements via Volunteer Hartlepool and traineeships; Support to improve their health and wellbeing.

The Hub only began earlier this year and has already received more than 200 referrals, with 127 young people already being signed up to a programme of specialist support and 34 young people progressing into work.

Councillor Shane Moore, the council’s leader, said: “We’re proud of the fact that this is one of the first youth hubs in the Tees Valley and the partnership of organisations behind it is second-to-none.

Bradley Davies is one of the people to have already received support from the Hartlepool Youth Hub.

“Our combined expertise and proven track-record of helping people improve their skills and knowledge and find employment means that young people searching for a job have a fantastic team behind them, helping, supporting and encouraging them every step of the way.”

Charlotte Metcalf, a work coach team leader at Jobcentre Plus, added: “We are proud to work together with the council and partners through the Youth Hub to enhance the lives of the young people in our community.”

Bradley Davies is one of the first young people to be helped by The Hub and has received additional support from partner organisation Groundwork North East & Cumbria.

He said: “Since getting help from the team through the Hartlepool Youth Hub my motivation and confidence has significantly improved and I’m now ready to progress into work.”