Businesses across North Yorkshire and York are being encouraged to help local residents back into employment through fully funded placements.
The Learn, Earn, Apply, Progress (LEAP) programme offers three-month, part-time placements of at least 16 hours a week for residents who have been out of work, with wages paid at the national minimum wage and employer National Insurance contributions covered. The scheme, managed by North Yorkshire Council for the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, forms part of the Government’s Get Britain Working Trailblazer initiative.
The programme aims to support residents who have been out of work due to long-term sickness, disability, physical or mental ill health, or caring responsibilities, while helping businesses benefit from new talent at no extra cost. Employers with premises in York and North Yorkshire are eligible to take part, even if their head office is located outside the area.
Cllr Michael Harrison, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for health and adult services, said:
“North Yorkshire is home to a wealth of untapped talent including people with skills, potential and ambition who, for a variety of reasons, have found themselves out of the jobs market. The Trailblazer programme is designed to change that. Everyone deserves a fair chance to flourish and this is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to diversify their workforce, support the community and help local people develop valuable skills through meaningful, mentored experience.”
Cllr Mark Crane, executive member for open to business, added:
“Through a series of targeted projects, the trailblazer scheme aims to remove barriers, connect people with opportunities and help employers build stronger, more inclusive workforces.”
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, also highlighted the impact of the programme:
“We’re tackling the barriers that hold people back from the quality jobs they deserve by giving our businesses the tools to create more supportive, inclusive workplaces. That’s why I’m proud we’re funding this new initiative which will support people who have been out of work take the leap back into employment. Working with our partners, we can provide the guidance and support that keeps people in good jobs and helps our businesses become more resilient.”
In its first year, the programme aims to help 1,500 jobseekers, support 500 people already in work, and work with 150 businesses.
Residents must be aged 18 or over and economically inactive, while participating businesses can provide fully funded, entry-level work experience with no additional costs.
Employers interested in taking part can find further details at nyresourcing.co.uk or by calling 01609 535585.
