Students were surprised to have some very special guests attend their training course today as Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg and Employment Minister, Chris Grayling visited The Skills Place Newham, a specialist training centre based at Westfield Stratford City.

The Ministers came to the centre to host a roundtable discussion with business leaders on the Youth Contract, the government’s flagship policy for getting young people into work. They also spent time talking to some of the students at the Skills Place Newham, who were able to discuss their previous barriers to work and out how the centre is helping them.

Image © Crown Copyright.

The Skills Place Newham is a joint initiative run by employment and training provider Seetec in partnership with Westfield and Newham Borough Council. It provides sector based pre and post-employment training within industries such as retail, hospitality and leisure.

The courses it offers focus on the core skills needed within each specific industry and to the needs of employers, they are designed to help people to build their skills towards finding sustainable employment.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said:

“Supporting people into work is my priority for 2012 and helping young people get proper lasting jobs is especially important."

“The youth contract will make sure every unemployed young person starts earning or learning again before long term damage is done."

“But government can’t do this alone, we need businesses to play their part too. That’s why the support of the Confederation of British Industry, British Chambers of Commerce, British Retail Consortium and Federation of Small Businesses is such good news."

“Every employer, from global corporations to small local firms, can get involved. They can register their interest at the new Youth Contract website for businesses - dwp.gov.uk/youth-contract "

Working in partnership with Westfield and Newham Borough Council, Seetec, has been managing the operation with much success. Many of the stores and businesses present at Westfield Stratford City and across the borough have used the facilities of The Skills Place Newham, including some of the large high street brands.

Talking of their success, Stefania Rossi, Seetec Director of Skills said, “The blend of learning that we offer gives our young people a different learning experience within a state of the art facility. The people that attend want to be here and we do everything we can after they have successfully completed their course to help them find employment. We continue to have contact and work with them to develop their skills once they are in work through work based learning or apprenticeships.”

Image © Crown Copyright. Photo L - R: Nick Clegg, Stefania Rossi, Jeremy Nutter,Chris Grayling.

Jeremy Nutter Seetec CEO said, “We are very proud to be hosting this roundtable. The country’s young people represent our future prosperity. We must ensure that we give our young people the best possible start to their adult lives’. It is critical that the government, employers and skills providers address the issues that Young people face now, as tomorrow is the first day of their and our future.’