Boost for Exeter Jobseekers
Published: 9 July 2021
Jobseekers in Exeter are being given extra support to help them find employment or training as we continue to recover from the pandemic, thanks to Exeter Works and Youth Hub Devon.
Those behind the new service, say that it’s young people in the area who particularly need the support with figures showing that 46% of Universal Credit claimants in the Greater Exeter area are aged between 16-24 years old.
Youth Hub Devon, a service funded by the Department for Work and Pensions, Devon County Council and Exeter City Council is aimed specifically at young people aged 16-24, and opens in the Exeter Works hub in the Princesshay on Friday.
Whilst the youth hub is specifically for those aged 16-24, the Exeter Works service is for anybody in the Greater Exeter area looking for jobs or searching for training opportunities, including those who have been in jobs for many years.
Rufus Gilbert, Cabinet Member for Economic Recovery and Skills at Devon County Council was at the launch of the hub on Friday, and said:
"I can see that a service such as this one is going to be extremely valuable as Exeter continues to emerge and recover from the pandemic. Ensuring that our community has impartial advice and help where it is most needed, and that individuals across society are able to enter employment and training with the confidence they need to get back on their feet, is a priority.”
Kate Curtis, Service Leader for the Department of Work and Pensions Devon and Cornwall, said: "This new Youth Hub is a fantastic opportunity for Young People in Exeter, Mid & East Devon. It has brought together Jobcentre Plus, Exeter City Council and Devon County Council and will provide a place for young people to get the advice and support they need to move into work.
“We are delighted that our local employers are keen to support the Kickstart scheme to enable young people who are unemployed gain employment opportunities and will be utilising the youth hub to meet face to face with jobseekers.”
Exeter Works has brought together more than 25 organisations, including the Jobcentre Plus, National Careers Service, CSW Group, Exeter College, recruitment agencies, local businesses, and training providers to offer vital employment and training information through the hub, which was set up with the intention of getting people back on their feet following the events of the past 15 months.
Councillor Rachel Sutton, Portfolio Holder at Exeter City Council, which runs the Exeter Works service in partnership with Exeter Chamber, said:
“It is exciting to be able to offer people the chance to really get their feet on the career ladder following the pandemic. It’s been tough for everybody, but those who have missed out on those crucial first jobs and apprenticeship opportunities seem to have been particularly hard hit.”
Exeter-based equality activist Maia Thomas says that the youth hub is a much-needed resource for young people.
“I’ve witnessed first-hand the difficulty young people have faced during these past 18 months. Plans that we had were put on hold, and there is a general lack of confidence and trust amongst this age group as a result. Having somewhere to go for this unbiased help and ongoing support regardless of somebody’s education and skill level, is going to be really valuable.”
Anybody looking for advice and information is encouraged to follow Exeter Works on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn, and can make their appointment by emailing the advisers on hello@exeterworks.org or youthhub@devon.gov.uk