New Year Cheer for Jobless

DERBY, England, January 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Thousands of unemployed young people could improve their chances of gaining work thanks to a merger between two of Britain's biggest training providers.

Announced on the eve of the latest unemployment figures (9 30am January 18th) the partnership between NCG (one of the UK's largest providers of education, training and employability) and youth charity Rathbone will provide young people with new hands-on work experience to add to qualifications like numeracy and literacy. This personalised learning in small classes will enable young people to really compete in the job market.

Following a gloomy 2011 for young job seekers, the merger will bring light relief for disadvantaged young people in particular.

Aside from its apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programmes, Rathbone runs schemes for high school students in places such as Ayrshire, Chorley and Derby, preparing them for employment. Last year 80% of trainees on their Choices programme in Huddersfield moved on to college or work. This class was entirely made up of students excluded from high school! Rathbone also organises social enterprise projects including a restaurant called the Taste Academy in Rhyl.

Working from 45 locations and with an annual turn-over of £130 million, NCG offers programmes from foundation to degree level. With three divisions - namely Newcastle College, West Lancashire College and In Training - it also holds a prime contract for the Work Programme.

Alison Tumilty, Interim Managing Director for Rathbone said: "By joining NCG, Rathbone will be able to extend and improve learning opportunities for some of the country's most disadvantaged young people as part of our shared vision."

Salford teenager Alanah Kerr gave her approval to the merger. After losing her place at high school because she was caring for her grandmother in Glasgow, Alanah struggled desperately to find employment. Now working full-time in business administration, the 18-year-old said: "Young people are always being told they can't have work unless they gain experience. Well, now these two strong organisations have joined together to offer you a real taste of the workplace and gain skills. My message to other young people is: make sure you take that opportunity!"  

Learn more about NCG at http://www.ncgrp.co.uk

and Rathbone at http://www.rathboneuk.org

SOURCE Rathbone