CUMBRIAN businesses are being urged to back an ambitious plan that could help propel thousands of young people into the world of work.

Working with the national charity founded by ITV's Political Editor Robert Peston, Cumbria Careers Hub aims to recruit employers of all sizes from across the county to help deliver 3,000 'virtual' work placement.

Careers Hub officials are working with Peston's Speakers for Schools charity, whose declared mission is to "level the playing field" for young people of all backgrounds.

The two organisations aim to recruit up to 50 employers within Cumbria to take part in the programme by offering virtual work placements of between one and five days to a target of 3,000 young people, aged 14-19.

The Careers Hub, formed in January 2019, works with employers and careers leaders in schools and colleges to drive forward careers education.

It is managed by the Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership (CLEP) along with the Careers and Enterprise Company (CEC).

Mike Smith OBE, CLEP Board Member and Chair of its People, Employment and Skills Strategy Group, said: “We are very excited about the prospect of joining forces with Speakers for Schools to help our youngsters aged between 14 and 19 enjoy a high quality virtual experience of the world of work.

“Employers in Cumbria now have the opportunity to repair some of the damage that the Covid-19 pandemic has brought about by curtailing work experience opportunities this year.

“Speakers for Schools has significant experience in this field and will offer full support to any employer who’s prepared to step in and help out, whether it’s for one day, three days or for five days and regardless of the organisation’s size.

“All we ask is that you are prepared to take a little time out of your working week to give our youngsters a helping hand on the careers ladder by introducing them to a working environment.

“The regional team from Speakers for Schools are on hand to support you every step of the way to create and deliver quality experiences using Google Classroom that will inspire, inform and craft career ambitions and progression for young people of Cumbria.”

Jason Elsom, Chief Executive Officer, Speakers for Schools, said: “In an unprecedented year for schools, employers and most importantly, young people, Speakers for Schools is committed to levelling the playing field for school students of all backgrounds.

“This new partnership with Cumbria Careers Hub will enable us to work closely with schools and leading companies across Cumbria to provide high quality work placements.”

Interested businesses can find out more about the programme by signing up to one of two half-hour employer events scheduled for next month – Tuesday December 1 (8.30am to 9am) or Thursday December 3 (5pm to 5.30pm). For more information contact CLEP Enterprise Co-ordinator Ali Beard on 07767 902676 – e-mail: Alison.beard@thecumbrialep.co.uk