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Better job prospects for Reading school leavers

August 25, 2010

The outlook for Reading school leavers is better this year than last, with the town seeing a drop in youth unemployment.

The number of young people aged 16 to 19 out of work in the borough in July was 10.9 per cent, a year-on-year fall from 11.8 per cent in 2009, according to Connexions Berkshire.

The figures reflect a national trend which saw the number of people claiming Jobseekers’ Allowance also fall last year with 3.5 per cent claiming the benefit in Reading in July.

Connexions provides help and support services for 13- to 20-year-olds (up to 25 for those with learning difficulties) on education, careers, housing, money, health and relationships.

Carolyn Taylor, team leader at Connexions Reading, said: “The job market is looking a bit better and there are opportunities out there for young people.

“We have a highly trained professional team which will provide school leavers with all the options to allow them to plan their future.

“These include staying on at sixth form with good links to Reading College and information on their courses, gaining work experience and apprenticeships.”

Connexions has 69 job opportunities currently available for school leavers for those with five GCSEs at grade C and above to those who have left with no qualifications.

The organisation also works in partnership with schools, colleges, councils and other support groups including Uchooz in Caversham and Sportiv8 which runs courses at Madejski Stadium.

Mrs Taylor added: “Sometimes people come to us because they have not done well in their exams and are unsure which way to turn.

“We give young people the chance to build up their confidence, perhaps try something out or learn skills that will help them find work.”

Connexions is extending its opening hours over the next week to allow school leavers more chance to talk over their future, starting today from 9am to 7pm, Friday from 9am to 7pm, Wednesday, September 1, from 9am to 7pm and Saturday, September 4, from 10.30am to 2.30pm.

Visit www.connexions-berkshire.org.uk or call 0845 408 5004 for more.

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Sorry but my families experience of Connexions is that they are useless unless you want to do an apprenticeship or part time work for minimum wage until your 20!, if you are just looking to get into employment then the're a waste of time. A lot of people don't bother going to them so there figures are totally inaccurate. As for Job Seekers allowance, you can't claim it until your 18 anyway. Yet another false statistic given to us.