Building success: Councillor Alan Graves, pictured centre, at the Chesterfield hub for YES Derbyshire with young people participating in the programme, from left, Rebekah, Toby, Caelum and Thomas.
The programme, which is a joint initiative between the county council and the government’s Department for Work and Pensions, helps 16 to 24-year-olds who are not in education, training or employment to get on the career ladder.
Operating from hubs in Swadlincote, Chesterfield and Ilkeston, the programme brings together expertise from specialist support organisations, training providers and employers in a one-stop-shop for young people seeking information, advice, and opportunities to boost their confidence, build their skills and ultimately find work.
Over the past 12 months the programme has:
- helped 511 young people who registered for the programme
- supported 488 young people to develop a personalised action plan for their next steps into training or employment
- opened up opportunities for 306 young people to complete work experience, volunteering or training
- successfully moved 138 young people into apprenticeships or employment
- provided specialist support to 81 young people
Council Leader Councillor Alan Graves visited the Chesterfield hub to meet some of the young people benefiting from the programme including Rebekah, from Tibshelf.
Rebekah wanted to build her confidence and challenge herself to leave the house more often. With reassurance from hub staff, she attended career workshops that helped reconnect her with existing skills and knowledge. Small steps gradually turned into bigger achievements, attending sessions more independently, exploring opportunities, and rebuilding her confidence.
For Rebekah, the greatest benefit was the supportive, non-judgemental environment. She said:
“Staff at the YES programme have been really supportive. They really understood how I was feeling and encouraged me to overcome some of the issues that were holding me back.
“It feels like a really safe space to be yourself and everyone is really great. I’m so glad I made the decision to walk through the door and I’m looking forward to where it might take me in the future.”
Councillor Graves said:
“YES Derbyshire provides a vital service to young people across the county, offering compassionate, practical, and personalised support to help them overcome barriers and achieve their goals.
“By providing valuable opportunities to get training and qualifications, apprenticeships, work experience and employment, the programme supports one of our key objectives to help people to find work – backing our commitment to create communities where people live safe, healthy, independent lives.
“I wish every success to everyone supported by the project, now and in the future."