Startling statistics outlining the number of young people not in education, employment or training (Neet) in the UK has leapt by almost 30,000 this year to nearly 800,000.
The figures have prompted action from Liverpool-based hotel and hospitality company Signature Living.
Signature, who operate popular hotels including the Shankly, Dixie Dean and 30 James Street, have recruited 100 young people from across the Liverpool city region to take part in a new initiative aimed at providing an insight into the world of work.
Boss Your Future is a six-week programme delivered by the company which gives the young people roles across the business for a six-week period.
The scheme covers areas such as sales, administration, housekeeping, social media and event management. The idea is for the young people to generate skills and experience in a range of areas to help them secure long term employment.
Lawrence Kenwright, who founded Signature Living in 2008, said: “Young people are often left behind by an education system that is purely focused on academic courses. No-one should be written off at 16 and that’s why Signature Living has stepped in. We want to do our bit to help.
“Boss Your Future is all about giving young people an insight into various career paths. We give our young people the chance to get vital work experience throughout the various strands of the business. It is helping to build skills and confidence and above all, is giving them hope of a better future. It is also great for us as a company to be doing something to help Liverpool’s younger generation.”
The first round of Boss Your Future is nearing completion. Signature Living have plans to expand the scheme even further in 2020.