FOUNDATION for Jobs, the campaign to tackle youth unemployment, is today issuing a rallying call to firms in the region to Give an Hour.

One of the aims of the campaign, of which The Northern Echo is a key partner, is to build links between industry and 1,000 young people while still at school.

As part of this aim, we are asking businesses of every type to host groups of up to ten young people to look at a particular role within the firm.

It is envisaged that these events will last only one hour, giving the young person a genuine insight into what is involved in a particular role, whether it be that of a carpenter or architect, computer games designer or control room operator.

Councillor Chris McEwan, cabinet member for economy and regeneration at Darlington Borough Council, said: “While factory tours can be of great use to young people, we see it as an important part of reducing youth unemployment to shift the emphasis from looking at a company as a whole and instead to look at particular jobs within a firm that the young person might be interested in.

“In our work at Foundation for Jobs, we have quite often found that youngsters think a firm’s primary business is what everyone inside that company does, whereas we all know there are a wide variety of roles within every organisation.

“Quite often the young person might also be unaware of what exactly a particular role entails and how it might fit their particular skills.

“Give an Hour intends to address both these issues and it would be fantastic if North-East companies come forward to support it.”

Foundation for Jobs, launched in January, is a joint initiative between The Northern Echo and the Darlington Partnership, which includes Darlington Borough Council, as well as public and private sector organisations.

Helping young people gain an insight into sectors where jobs will be created in the North-East is a primary aim of Foundation for Jobs.

Research has shown that insights with industry while still at school can mean young people are up to five times less likely to be unemployed at 25.

Any companies wishing to take part in Give an Hour should contact Foundation for Jobs co-ordinator Owen McAteer at owen.

mcateer@darlington.gov.uk