Talent Match South East with the Mayor

Talent Match South East

Councillor Bruce Dowling, Mayor of Hastings, presented 23 young people participating in the ‘Talent Match South East’ programme with certificates recognising individual journeys and their achievements to date.

Talent Match is a £108 million Big Lottery Fund investment in 21 Talent Match projects in England, aimed at helping long-term unemployed young people, aged 18-24, to gain employment. Its aim is to ensure that the skills and experience of the voluntary and community sector can be used to help tackle youth unemployment and it has been designed by young people, for young people.

The project in the South East of England (covering Kent, Essex and East Sussex) is being led by The Prince’s Trust, working in partnership with other local agencies which, in East Sussex, include Tomorrow’s People Trust, Kent Association of Training Organisations (KATO), Hastings Works, SCDA, CKX and DV8.

In East Sussex, the ‘Talent Match South East’ team works primarily in the areas of Bexhill, Eastbourne and Hastings, including reaching out to young people in rural areas. Since it was set up, Talent Match in East Sussex has engaged with 190 young people and provides support and mentoring as the young people start on their journey towards employment.

Creative Cafe

Creative Cafe

This forum also provided employers with an opportunity to sell their sector or businesses. As an attendee of the event, a representative from General Dynamics commented, “Being able to speak and explain to people what our company does – and to expand on how many job roles there are available – is really important”.

Another representative from Westoak Builders noted, “Getting us more known to young people and continuing to inspire young people in the construction industry will support recruitment going forward”.

Feedback from the young people has shown that meeting employers has improved their understanding of what employers really look for in an applicant and were surprised that team work, motivation and the right attitude were, at times, more important that skills or qualifications. When asked about their experience, a young person commented, “We thought it was excellent. Good to explore what’s out there and to see what each company has to offer. Most important is that people are friendly”.

Young people who need help or support and are interested in being supported by a Talent Match Mentor should telephone Stacey Hide on 07415 366023.

If you are a local business that could offer a job, apprenticeship or work experience, please contact Vicky Fagan on 07734 777055.

Also in: Grassroots