The annual New Start Conference, organised by St Helens Chamber, has proved to be an overwhelming success again this year, with over 100 delegates from 35 different organisations attending.
The New Start project helps young people from across the Borough to progress to learning, training and/or employment.
It also offers guidance to groups and organisations working directly with vulnerable young people to increase their participation in learning and help them progress into work.
The annual conference brings together professional practitioners from a host of organisations linked with young people such as the Youth Offenders Service, Connexions, hostels and Social Services to share their experiences and encourage best practice.
Held at the Bold Miners Neighbourhood Centre in St Helens, the focus this year was the NEET register – i.e. young people Not in Employment, Education or Training - and what organisations can do to help them re-engage with their community and the world of work.
The Conference offered presentations from the Learning and Skills Council and St Helens Chamber, as well as a number of different individual workshops, ending with a plenary session during which practitioners were asked to offer feedback and recommendations.
Feedback collected at the conference demonstrated overwhelming support for the need to develop more programmes for young people, highlighting Apprenticeships as one option which was particularly popular.
Pauline Devine, Starting Point Centre Manager, commented: "For many young people Apprenticeships are a fantastic way for them to get ahead and develop a career as they generate solid qualifications alongside paid employment.
"This year's conference was a great success with a number of ideas being put forward for implementation. Anyone who would like further information on programmes available for young and vulnerable people can contact Starting Point on 01744 698800."
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