Job club is set up to help out-of-work young people
8:40am Sunday 19th February 2012 in News
A CLUB has been launched to help out-of -work young people to get a job.
The Harmony Project has established a job club and cybercafe where school-leavers can dropin and get help in finding a job, as well as finding out about college.
The ABC Project is aimed at those aged 15 to 20, particularly those classed as vulnerable and at risk of falling into drugs and crime.
There were 2,880 unemployed young people in Bolton last month, compared to 2,475 in January, 2011.
Charlie Barrett, Harmony Youth Project manager, said: “It is hard for young people to get jobs and particularly for those who have dropped out of school and do not know where to get help or advice.
“The ABC Project is set in a cybercafe, which we are creating for young people to get help and advice in an environment they feel comfortable with.
“They can use the internet while here, and also find out about college and training courses.
“We will invite lecturers into the club to tell young people that college is not like school.”
Greggs in Crompton Place gave the Harmony Project a £1,000 grant.
Harmony specialises in dealing with young people who are not in education, employment or training, and many are also from deprived backgrounds.
Those who attend will find out about accredited activities in dance, filming- making, music production, sound engineering, and other creative subjects, and often provide a route into further education or training.
A portfolio of Harmony’s activities will be created to show at college and job interviews.
Mr Barrett said: “This is a pilot project and we have raised a lot of money ourselves and are grateful for Greggs support.
“We would like other businesses to get involved and establish links with the project to help the young people.”
To find out more, or businesses which want to support the project, ring 01204 496161 or email admin_harmony@ hotmail.com.
