With this Public Health Crisis, that we are all facing together, thousands of young people across Nottinghamshire are feeling the pain that has come with it; as hundreds of them are being let go right at the start of their careers because businesses are having to make hard choices to reduce costs, and hundreds more young people are simply unable to even start their own career path whatever that maybe.

Youth Enterprise & Employability Academy has already seen the damage this pandemic has done to young peoples’ hopes and dreams, it is only going to get worse as more young people are preparing to leave school in few months having missed exams and facing the prospect of a reduction in job prospects.

It goes without any doubt that youth unemployment is continuing to skyrocket during this pandemic. But, on the brighter side of life, we have spoken to young people from across Nottinghamshire who are finding their very own feet, so to speak.
 
As they take on new opportunities to succeed and thrive by beginning an entrepreneurial journey instead. This pandemic is leading more youngsters down the entrepreneurial route than ever before, while this is remarkable, our young people cannot do it totally alone.

We need to create a supportive environment to promote their strengths, abilities, and aid them with achieving their entrepreneurial ambition, we also support those that are about to start their journey into the world of work by ensuring that when they do leave education they are prepared for the challenges that come their way.
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Whilst there is light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to this pandemic, the damage will remain for many years and now more than ever our Small Nottinghamshire based charity is feeling their pain too. So, enable us to continue providing support and opportunities for young people.

A Small Local Charity, Youth Enterprise & Employability Academy, is today celebrating after being awarded almost £10,000 in National Lottery Funding, this comes after Academy surveyed firms across Nottinghamshire and found 84% thought school leavers were not ready for employment.

In fact of the companies surveyed three-quarters put the situation down to a lack of work experience, but then when we asked them do they offer work experience over half of them said they do not offer it, because of the cost and time needed and lack of information about what is involved which is putting them offering work-experience.

In addition, to work experience nine out of ten companies surveyed said young people did not have even basic skills such as communication or team work, whilst 73% of young people believe they are good at communicating and 55% believe they are good at working in a team.

That is why the Youth Enterprise & Employability Academy is developing its employability programs that proactively engage with young people in order to help them to identify the skills needed for the world of work

The charity, based in Worksop in North Nottinghamshire, will use the cash to run activities for young people and aid with its development.

Youth Enterprise & Employability Academy has been running since 2015, becoming a charity in 2019 and is staffed by volunteers.

It was founded by Kurtis-Jay Castle, Charlotte Baines and Jodie Streets after research carried out by the now charity, there was clear indications that young people from across Nottinghamshire would benefit from the Employability program.

The Charity will use these funds for its employability program which helps youth from across county to make friends, but more importantly learning new skills and having fun. While enjoyable, they are also gaining greater confidence, problem solving and important collaboration skills.

The new funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, which distributes money raised by National Lottery players for good causes and is the largest community funder in the UK, will see the extending and developing the Employ-ability Program.

At the same time, the charity will continue to pays attention to issues and concerns young people have and employers, in order to provide the best possible support for them.

Kurtis-Jay Castle, Founder & Chair of Youth Enterprise & Employability Academy says: “We’re ecstatic that The National Lottery Community Fund has recognised the academy in this way. So, would like to take this opportunity thank everyone who plays the lottery, we will be able to press on with the development of our employ-ability program and broaden the range of opportunities available to young people.

Kurtis-Jay than adds, “it’s only thanks to the hard work and commitment made by Jodie Streets and the rest of the team that we are here today, however sadly Miss Street is no longer with us, therefore our deepest condolences once again go out to her family.”

Jade Allan, Trustee of Youth Enterprise & Employability Academy says: “It is incredible that we’ve recognized this way, however we have to continue to raise funds and building partnerships with organisations across the county to make a difference"

84% firms believes school leavers are unprepared for the world of work.
100% firms believes young people need better customer services skills.
100% firms believes young people need better telephone handle skills
95% firms believes young people need better team working skills
89% firms believes young people lack the necessary work experience
53% firms do not offer work experience
63% firms say the cost and time needed put them off employing young people
68% firms said the lack of information about what is involved, put them off offering work-experience

Nominations are now open for the Youth Enterprise & Employability Academy's first ever countywide YEA Youth Awards, in celebration of young people who have gone above and beyond in their contribution to their community.  

The annual award ceremony will be on November, 23 - 2019 at Worksop Town Hall thanks to the efforts of Julie Beresford, Bassetlaw District Council's Economic Development Manager. The event celebrates the achievement and contribution of young people aged 11 to 25 years.  

To submit a nomination, visit the Youth Enterprise & Employ-ability Academy website or email contact@youthenterprise.academy  

Sheila Place, County Councillor for Blyth and Harworth in Bassetlaw said, "I am delighted to support the "YEA" Youth Awards which celebrate the incredible energy, talent and compassion of our young people.  

"I would encourage everyone to come forward with their nominations, so they can be officially thanked and celebrate the great work that is going on all across the County."

Mansfield District Councillor Sinead Anderson says “I am delighted to support the YEA Youth Awards which celebrates the incredible energy, talent and compassion of our young people. 

Then adds "It is vital people come forward with their nominations so that we can officially thank and celebrate the great work that is going on in Mansfield and across the County” 

Kurtis-Jay Castle, Chief Executive Officer at Youth Enterprise & Employability Academy said “We are thankful to everyone who nominates and spreads the word of YEA Youth Awards and hope that you continue to help us promote the awards. 

"We are calling all teachers, parents and youth to nominate someone who goes above and beyond in their community, cares for someone, or volunteering to support a local organisation  

"We are very fortunate to have Worksop Town Hall venue for this year’s YEA Youth Awards. If you would like to sponsor the awards, specific award categories, food or even stage decorations, please contact us.

Categories include caring, community, Enterprise, Fundraising and youth award of the year. There will also be awards up for grabs for young people who have overcome adversity and for those who have excelled in voluntary work.  

Nomination/entry must be received by Monday October 28 - 2019 at 5pm and is open to any person who lives or is educated/works in Nottinghamshire to be nominated. 

This is where you can find the necessary tips and links to help you gain the correct entrepreneurial and employment skills tailored to make sure that we naturally encourage and support you, in greatly understanding employment skills and too continuously develop your knowledge and understanding on how to write C.V's and how to make a brilliant first impression at a interview. This blog will also help you to get a greater understanding of what it takes to become a greater entrepreneur.