Council wins £300K to support young people into work and training

Unlocking Potential Oxfordshire is a partnership with community organisations across the county. It offers a wide range of activities to young people aged 17 to 21 who have not been in employment, education or training (NEET) for six months or more, including:

• professional, one-to-one support that includes handling first steps into paid work or higher education and training
• accredited entry-level training including employability skills in construction, catering and digital media
• supported work experience placements in community enterprises to develop employability skills and work readiness

These activities enable young people to develop self-confidence, self-esteem, work readiness and employability – providing support into education, training and meaningful employment with a diverse range of local employers and providers.

The project can also offer a wide variety of expenses and incentives to young people including paying for childcare, transport costs, and buying clothes for interviews or uniform for new jobs or enrolment into education. 

Since its launch in 2017, Unlocking Potential Oxfordshire has supported 309 young people. Of these, 74 have found work, 56 have moved into education and a further 27 have improved their employability skills and work readiness.

“Unlocking Potential Oxfordshire provides a valuable helping hand supporting the young people who need it most into education, work and training. This type of personal support will be especially needed in the wake of a pandemic casting a long shadow over young people’s education and their economic and social opportunities, so I’m really pleased that Unlocking Potential Oxfordshire’s funding has been extended.”

Councillor Shaista Aziz, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Communities

Unlocking Potential Oxfordshire is part of the Building Better Opportunities programme, which is funded by the European Social Fund and the National Lottery Community Fund.