A new campaign ‘Backing Young Bristol’ is being launched by the Bristol Partnership to tackle youth unemployment and give young people better opportunities to develop the right skills and find work.

The campaign is being launched ahead of the publication of the latest jobs figures by the ONS. Over the next 12 months a number of initiatives will aim to help young people into work including:

• Increasing the number of new apprentices this year in the Bristol area to at least 2,000, and setting up a network of "apprenticeship champions" across the city to encourage employers to take on a young person
• Matching young people with businesses for work experience and coaching to help them gain employment;
• Improving support and guidance to young people in particular areas of the city with high youth unemployment
• Encouraging the recruitment of local graduates

Chair of Bristol Partnership, Assistant Chief Constable John Long said: “The Bristol Partnership is determined to support the city’s ambitions by bringing about real and worthwhile employment and training opportunities for young people at the start of their working lives.”

Barbara Janke, Leader of the City Council said: “Young people are hugely important to the economic future of the city and region. Early experience of working life is vitally important in helping a young person develop the right skills for employment and they often bring fresh ideas and enthusiasm to local businesses.

‘Backing Young Bristol’ brings together the city’s agencies and businesses to ensure that we see the best possible outcomes for our young people and for business.”

Keith Elliott, Principal of City of Bristol College said: “The ‘Backing Young Bristol’ campaign is about harnessing the untapped potential of young people, who – as current figures show - are facing significant employment challenges. All the partners involved are committed to helping young people to access the support and training they need to gain work.

“As well as helping young people to get the skills they need, businesses across the city will reap their own benefits from harnessing this potential, which will in turn help to boost the local economy.”

More information on the campaign can be found at www.bristolpartnership.org as well as links to information, advice and opportunities for young people and employers wanting to get involved.