Young people guided towards their future

Jan 24 2008 by Hazel Ettienne, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

YOUNG people in Huddersfield are being encouraged to take a step in the right direction by the Learning and Skills Council.

It is encouraging them to take the first steps towards a successful future by finding out about the opportunities to learn and develop further skills after school or college.

Its new learning guide Steps To Success offers advice for young people aged 16 to 24 to help plan their future – from deciding what to learn and where to apply for financial support.

Mike Lowe, area director for the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) in West Yorkshire said: “It can be daunting for young people to plan their future and navigate a path to employment, but continuing in learning or training helps to boost your employability, your earning power and your future career options.

“Steps To Success is a step-by-step guide that puts information at the fingertips of young people so that they can make positive decisions about their future.”

Andy Brown, regional director of learning, planning and performance for the LSC, said: “In Kirklees, 40% of working age adults are not qualified to level 2, which is the equivalent of five GCSE’s at Grades A to C and is recognised as a benchmark for the minimum set of qualifications to help secure employability.

“Those without the minimum qualifications are 10% more likely to be unemployed and may earn on average 9% less than their better skilled counterparts.

“In addition, we anticipate that by 2010 very few jobs will be open to those without the minimum qualifications.

“We are urging young people not to get left behind, but to seize the opportunities that are available and get on the ladder to success.”

Steps To Success also provides contact details and sources of advice and information on the courses offered by colleges across the Yorkshire and the Humber region, apprenticeships and school sixth forms and further education colleges.

Copies of Steps To Success can be ordered from lsc@teamwork-handling.co.uk