EXTRA support is being given to young people across the district to help them into work, education or training.

Under the Future Boost initiative – led by Bradford Council – 16-to-24-year-olds are given access to careers guidance, a learning course, offers of placements, activities and an online mentor.

A number of partner organisations are involved – including colleges, Bradford University, employers, community groups and the National Careers Service.

As part of the venture, the Sporting Chance project will provide 16 job opportunities for young people who will be able to gain accredited learning and experience within the world of sport. Access will be provided to a range of sports careers within the public, private and voluntary sectors.

Grants will be available, through the council’s area offices, to sports clubs so that they can offer more activities for young people.

Future Boost will also see ten new apprentice youth workers taken on. They will aim to ensure young people’s voices are heard by district leaders and decision-makers.

And an outreach team of youth workers will be formed to encourage take-up of opportunities.

Placements are on offer, either as short taster sessions or over one or two weeks, to give young people an insight into the world of work and to develop their skills.

Councillor Imran Khan – Bradford Council’s deputy leader and the portfolio holder for education, employment and skills – said: “It is vital that we put young people at the heart of our plans to recover from the economic impact of the pandemic.

“Future Boost will be a key part of our Covid-19 recovery, making sure that our young people have the opportunities to help them achieve their ambitions.

“We have seen A-level, BTEC and GCSE results released recently.

“It can be a stressful time for young people and their families as they choose what their next steps are, so it is timely to remind people of the range of brilliant opportunities we are offering young people through Future Boost and which we will continue to build on in the coming months.”

For further information about Future Boost and the full range of opportunities available, visit skillshouseyouth.co.uk/Future-Boost or email futureboost@bradford.gov.uk.