Part of the drive is targeting the 18% of young people interested in a career in advertising, marketing and PR. It is hoped it will lead to the creation 85,000 jobs and training opportunities with the backing of 150 companies nationwide.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown launched the scheme in Birmingham yesterday amid criticism from the opposition parties. The Conservatives deemed the figures unrealistic while the Liberal Democrats said the proposals laid out were ‘timid'.
Work experience is one of the key focuses of the campaign. A poll conducted by Populus has found 69% of businesses are more likely to hire someone who had experience within their company. A further 43% saw work placements completed elsewhere as an asset.
However, The Department for Work and Pensions is citing figures that 40% of young people believe they have yet to secure an opportunity of work.
There are seven measures that the government is outlining for businesses to take in pledging their support for the project:
1. Offer volunteer places or become a volunteer mentor for school and university leavers
2. Provide work experience opportunities
3. Offer internships to graduates, 18 year olds and non-graduates
4. Consider a young person for a job through a work trial
5. Provide apprenticeships opportunities for 16 to 24 year olds
6. Bid for one of the 100,000 jobs for young people from the Future Jobs Fund
7. Engage in a Local Employment Partnership
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