COUNCILLORS have agreed to a new project aimed at helping the job prospects of local young people.

Huddersfield Area Committee will allocate £33,000 to be spent with schools in Almondbury to raise aspirations and empower young people to make life-changing decisions about their futures on leaving school.

Staff from Calderdale and Kirklees Careers will be commissioned to develop, plan and organise the programme for Years 5 to 11 – covering children and young people aged from nine to 16 – and help them contribute to the economy in Huddersfield and beyond.

They will work with local firms and training organisations.

The project will involve families and local organisations in supporting young people to gain vital skills for their long-term prospects, to forge links with further education and businesses and to raise awareness of post-16 opportunities.

Almondbury High School and Language College will take the lead. The programme is set to build on the good work that already takes place in the area.

It will also emphasise how important it is that families get involved.