A new grant scheme designed to remove financial barriers to employment for young people has launched in North Staffordshire with support from business finance provider UKSE.
The initiative, delivered in partnership with YMCA North Staffordshire, offers bursaries to under-25s to help cover the upfront costs that can prevent them from securing or starting work.
The UKSE Employability Bursaries can be used for essentials such as interview clothing, travel to interviews, and costs in the first weeks of employment before wages are received.
Funding is also available for basic equipment or tools needed for specific roles, as well as mandatory certifications such as Construction Skills Certification Scheme cards and identification documents required for employment.
UKSE, which provides investments of up to £1 million to support business growth and job creation, is backing the scheme as part of its wider commitment to strengthening local economies.
Steve Grice, UKSE Regional Manager Midlands, said: “As part of UKSE’s drive to help the local economy grow and prosper we recognise the significant difference which accessing small amounts can make to a young person looking to secure work so we were delighted to partner YMCA North Staffordshire to fund their programme.”
Nicky Twemlow, CEO of YMCA North Staffordshire, added: “The need to introduce this scheme was directly identified by young people to help remove the barriers which they face in securing employment. The flexibility of micro grants allows the YMCA to tailor support to each young person’s specific circumstances.
“We value the support of UKSE as by covering those crucial early costs through the UKSE Employability Bursaries, young people are less likely to turn down job offers or drop out in the first weeks due to financial pressures, improving employment retention rates.”
The bursary programme builds on an existing partnership between UKSE and YMCA North Staffordshire, which previously saw funding provided for a recording studio at the organisation’s Hanley site in Stoke-on-Trent.
Opened last summer as part of a multi-million-pound youth hub, the facility gives young people access to professional-standard music recording and podcasting equipment.
