Launched in March last year, the hub is designed to help target the increase in unemployment among 18-24 year olds across East Surrey, since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. Funded by the Department for Work and Pensions, it’s been developed by Tandridge District Council, in partnership with Reigate & Banstead Borough Council.
It aims to:
- Help people into employment or further education.
- Work with local employers and training providers, to provide 18-24 year olds with access to training, work experience, employment and education opportunities.
- Support applicants in getting started on their journey into employment.
- Provide knowledge, contacts, skills and access to training to help develop confidence.
Meetings with the “hub team” can take place online or in person at Quadrant House in Caterham or the Harlequin Theatre in Redhill.
So far, the service has been used by 271 young people, with 164 of those supported into employment. A further 9 have gone into education and 29 attended a work trial. The support covers searching for a job, all the way through to interview preparation and is tailored for each person.
The team enlists the help of local employers to offer coaching, mentoring, work placements, apprenticeships and potential employment opportunities. Partnerships with local colleges and training providers also deliver vocational skills training programmes, focusing on areas where there are known skills gaps.
Employer support
We are very grateful to all the employers who have worked with us and supported our applicants. We could not run the programme without their help.
We have worked closely with ILG (East Grinstead & Salford sites) and Willis Towers Watson (Redhill). Both companies put on tours to provide an insight into life within the company, demonstrating the core values and benefits of being part of the team.
We have also worked with partners such as The Strive Group, which support our applicants to reach T Level qualification.
Take The Reins has given applicants a chance to learn about the horse racing industry and get experience at Lingfield Racecourse. The programme ended with interview opportunities, which was a great avenue into employment for some of our applicants.
Manor Collection hotels offered interviews and work trials to some of our clients at their hotels in Reigate and Betchworth.
Feedback from the applicants
Those using the service said they found CV support the most useful, followed by job search, interview preparation and interview practice. Officers are available to support you through the whole process, whatever stage you are at.
If you would like support with finding a job, creating your CV or exploring training and education options, please contact the Youth Hub at youth.hub@reigate-banstead.gov.uk.
If you are an employer who can offer support and wants to get involved, we’d love to hear from you too. Please contact the Youth Hub with any vacancies you have and if you are able to provide a young person with the opportunity to gain work experience.
If you have any comments/questions, please just get in touch at: Cllr.Catherine.Sayer@tandridge.gov.uk