CHESHIRE West and Chester Council are hoping to create 250 jobs for young people from the most disadvantaged areas of West Cheshire.
The Council is leading a sub-regional bid to Government to fund six-month employment for 750 unemployed 18- to 24-year-olds across Cheshire and Warrington.
If successful the £4,875,000 bid will involve a wide range of employers from across the subregion and already companies are being asked about their willingness to participate.
One key requirement is that interested organisations should have an Equal Opportunities Police and Plan.
Cllr Herbert Manley, executive member for regeneration, said: “Six months is sufficient time for employers to discover some of the qualities these young people have to offer and hopefully make the position permanent.
“For a variety of reasons they may not have collected many academic qualifications. But experience in the work- place is a vital preparation for any future job and will give confidence that even some graduates lack when they change university for a career.”
Jobs will involve a minimum of 25 hours a week work – primarily in the public and third sector, with a high community benefit – paid at the national minimum wage.
The three unitary authorities representing Cheshire have joined forces to mount the bid in collaboration with the Cheshire and Warrington Economic Alliance and supported by key partners.
“We are hoping to hear whether we have been successful by the end of August so that the scheme can start in September,” said Cllr Manley.
The council’s executive – meeting at Ellesmere Port – gave its full backing to the bid.
