Jobs News

A helping hand for young jobseekers

By David Millward
November 14, 2012

A new service has been launched for young people in Reading borough who are struggling to find work.

Starting Point Reading has been launched by the Mustard Tree Foundation with the backing of the council and other organisations.

The project aims to support 16- to 25-year-olds not in education, employment or training, known as NEETS.

Rachel Green, project manager for Starting Point Reading, said: “There are so many opportunities available to young people in Reading but unfortunately getting your foot on the first rung of the ladder is often the hardest step to make.

“What we aim to be is a place where young people who would like a job, would like to be trained, or who would like to be educated can come and be partnered with a mentor who will help them explore what their options are.”

The Mustard Tree Foundation, a church-based group which runs a number of community projects around the town, launched the scheme on Friday in direct response to the growing number of young people in Reading classified as NEET.

The project is being backed by Reading Borough Council with Reading Local Strategic Partnership providing half of the funding and Reading Family Church also contributing.

Reading West MP Alok Sharma was one of the guests at the launch at BB’s Coffee and Muffins, at The Oracle.

He said: “I am delighted that Reading’s voluntary sector, churches and the local council have come together to provide support for young people in Reading who are not in education, employment or training.

“With new jobs and apprenticeships being created by employers in the town, coupled with a range of schools and colleges, Reading is a good place for education, employment and training.

“I am very pleased that Starting Point Reading will be guiding and supporting young people as they explore the options available to them.”

The project aims to provide mentors for young people who will provide support such as accompanying them to interviews, helping to fill out paperwork and offering advice.

The scheme will also help organise work placements for the young clients to develop skills for work in variety of different sectors.

Anyone who would like more information about Starting Point Reading, which is based in London Street, Katesgrove, can call Rachel Green on 07864 040 466 or visit www.startingpointreading.co.uk

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I am early 40s and am getting the volunteering bug, doing voluntary work. It's great, and, hopefully, it will get me back into the job marketplace.

I am currently volunteering for two museums, and have such a buzz about it. I think that Starting Point sounds fantastic for younger people, and should be fully supported.

I think Starting Point also sounds not as draconian, not as mean spirited an establishment like Maximus in Greyfriars Road, and fully support Rachel Green on this.