Employability Programme Launches

Employment and Learning Minister, Dr Stephen Farry, has launched an employability programme for young people in the North Down area.

The pilot programme entitled C.R.A.F.T. [Careers Related Advice and Further Training] is a joint initiative between North Down YMCA, the Department for Employment and Learning and the South Eastern Regional College (SERC).

Speaking at the launch at the YMCA in Bangor, Minister Farry said: "The focus of this joint pilot initiative is to ensure that young people in the North Down area who are currently unemployed are provided, at the earliest possible stage, with the skills to gain jobs, compete for jobs created in the future and retain and progress in those jobs. Unemployed young people who avail of this opportunity will work closely with Employment Service and Careers Service Advisers to assess skills gaps and agree what actions would best address them. This initiative is a prime example of strong cooperation between the voluntary sector and government bringing real benefits to young people in today's challenging economic climate. North Down YMCA deserves every commendation for their essential role in this worthy and valuable venture."

The YMCA pilot which commences on 10 September 2012 at North Down YMCA, Queen's Parade, Bangor, aims to provide a platform to assist young people in the North Down area who lack the employability skills and careers guidance to enter the world of work.

(CD)