The #EnfieldWorks project is a collaboration between Enterprise Cooperative Trust (ECT) and Enfield Council that aims to “unlock potential” of young people, reports Clara Aberneithie

ECT chair Janet Leach MBE with Enfield County School for Girls pupils at Enfield Civic Centre for the launch of #EnfieldWorks

A new campaign has been launched to tackle youth unemployment in Enfield – with a pledge to create thousands of work opportunities by 2030.

#EnfieldWorks is a new campaign announced by Enterprise Cooperative Trust (ECT) and Enfield Council, with the aim to bring employment to young people and equip them with essential skills.

The campaign invited voices from local schools, which spoke about the ways employers could get involved, from hosting career talks, attending school events and offering work experience, through to undertaking apprenticeships and funding research.

Partner schools include West Lea School, Orchardside School, Bishop Stopford’s School, Laurel Park School and Enfield County School for Girls.

With anxiety and a shortage of local jobs being top concerns of young people nationally, according to last year’s Youth Voice Census, while almost one in seven young people aged 16-24 in the UK are not in education, employment, or training (Neet), #EnfieldWorks aims to create clearer paths to employment for Enfield’s young people.

Janet Leach, chair of ECT, said: “Youth unemployment cost the UK economy £31billion between 2021 and 2025. This has a severe impact on students, their families and the communities they reside in.

“While we know the barriers for young people and those likely to be Neet, there is a gap in local data and research specific to Enfield. We want to better understand the employment journeys of young people in the borough – and the barriers that prevent them from accessing meaningful work.”

Council leader Ergin Erbil said of the partnership: “We know that by working together, we can equip young people with the right skills and confidence to thrive in today’s workforce, and in the future to be beacons, inspiring others within our communities.”

Employers interested in finding out more information or supporting ECT can get in touch:
Visit enterprisecooperativetrust.org.uk/enfield-works

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