Young WorkPath opens its doors in Watney Market

 

 

Advice and support for young people looking to find jobs, training, courses and apprenticeships is now available at the heart of the community.

What was once a vacant Santander bank branch in Watney Market has been transformed into the home of Young WorkPath, the council’s new and innovative employment and careers service with a focus on residents aged between 16 and 24.

The new provision, a first for Tower Hamlets, builds on the collaborative model that has seen the council’s WorkPath employment brokerage service get almost 1,200 residents into work since its launch in April 2017.

Young WorkPath brings together the expertise of the WorkPath team, offering proven knowledge and understanding of the local employment market, with the council’s specialist careers service.

It will be particularly focused on providing the additional support needed by those young people who are not in education, employment or training or are at risk of falling into that category.

By working with schools, the council’s youth service, employers, training providers and directly with young people, Young WorkPath will be able to empower those who may be unsure about the options available to them and about how best to reach their career goals.

Having a public-facing presence in the heart of one of the busiest spots in the borough will mean greater accessibility for young people in need of that advice and guidance. The team will be offering walk-in sessions every weekday from 1pm until 5pm with pre-arranged appointments in the morning.

The council is also in the process of creating a ‘virtual careers service’ to complement the work taking place in a face to face environment.

On Friday, Mayor John Biggs welcomed guests to the official opening of Young WorkPath’s new home.

Mayor John Biggs said : Tower Hamlets has one of the youngest and fastest growing populations in the country. Our young people are our greatest asset and as Mayor I am committed to giving them the best start in life.

Our Young WorkPath scheme ensures they realise their potential. With the launch of this hub in Watney Market, young people have a facility to access support and help them make informed choices about their future”.

Cllr Motin Uz-Zaman, Cabinet Member for Work and Economic Growth, said:

“This former bank was, until recently, an eyesore for residents and visitors to the market.

“By investing in its transformation, we’re not only providing a fantastic facility for young people to get support and advice, we’re delivering positive improvements to a busy shopping district.

“We have transformed the way we deliver skills and employment in Tower Hamlets and Young WorkPath takes that further still.

“By closing the gap between education and work, we’re ensuring that our youngest residents are better prepared for the future.”