Youth Initiative Scheme For The Young Unemployed Commended

Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry today presented certificates of achievement to young unemployed people who have completed the Belfast Unemployed Resource Centre Youth Initiative Scheme.

The eight week project, initiated by the Concensus Initiative of the Belfast Unemployed Resource Centre in partnership with the Rosemount Resource Centre, Londonderry, aims to assist unemployed young people aged 16-24 with support to identify and overcome personal and societal barriers to progression towards training, further education and employment.

The Minister said: "I am determined to help create a better future for young people who are not in education, employment or training, and to take forward my Department's 'Pathways to Success' strategy which focuses on the issue of those young people not in education, employment or training (NEET). Initiatives such as this provide support, development and timely intervention to successfully help the participants overcome significant and often perceived insurmountable barriers which can prevent them taking up opportunities in learning and employment.

"I wish to commend the participants who have made the most of the programme provided by the Belfast Unemployed Resource Centre in partnership with the Rosemount Resource Centre, and for their determination to continue training and progress into work."

(CD/GK)