Councils launch Youth Hub in partnership with Brooklands College

Brooklands College, Elmbridge Borough Council and Runnymede Borough Council have launched a new Youth Hub to provide expert support for 18-24 year olds to help find employment or training.

Whether it’s getting a foot on the job ladder and securing your first role, finding out more about a new sector, matching the right course to your dream job – the Youth Hub experts will be able to find you the right opportunities to help.

The Youth Hub will be based out of Brooklands College in Weybridge which is attended by many teenagers from Elmbridge and Runnymede with additional venues at St John’s Church in Egham and the Addlestone Community Centre.

Each venue will provide a one-stop shop to help you with advice, work experience, mentoring and much, much more. The partnership with the college, businesses, and Job Centre Plus can help you get on if you are looking for work, thinking about next steps after school or college or unsure where to go next.

All support is free of charge to 18–24-year-olds in Runnymede and Elmbridge with £71,000 of funding provided through the Department of Work and Pension`s Flexible Support Fund, following a successful joint bid by both borough councils earlier this year.

In addition, the hub will receive a further £45,000 in financial backing from the councils and local organisations.

Councillor Chris Sadler, Leader of Elmbridge Borough Council said “The Covid-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on young people and the opportunities available to them. The Youth Hub is a chance to get the right help to consider a new role, find a placement, work experience or training as we do all we can to help our residents and businesses recover from the pandemic.”

Christine Ricketts, Principal of Brooklands College said “We are pleased to host the Youth Hub at Brooklands College. We have a wealth of experience of working with young people to connect them into the right courses, apprenticeships, and businesses. The hub will be working with businesses from across the area so we can offer valuable experience and training to help you get ahead.”

Councillor Nick Prescot, Leader of Runnymede Borough Council said “I would encourage as many young people as possible to get in touch and see how the Youth Hub can help. “

Cllr Prescot added: “We’re pleased to share resources and ideas with our neighbouring councils and the college, it is another example of how innovative thinking can provide practical support for local people, especially the younger generation.”

Gemma Newar, Partnership Manager, Department for Work and Pensions said “The Youth Hubs we have funded are a great addition to our offer to young people across the area. From kickstart placements, traineeships, apprenticeships and expert support from our work coaches and youth hubs we can help connect you to the right opportunity to get you into employment or training. Please do get in touch and see how we can help”

If you are interested in accessing the free expert support, please contact the youth hub via email: youthhub@brooklands.ac.uk

22nd September 2021, Youth Hub Breakfast: Thank you to all participants who came to our Youth Hub breakfast meeting to discuss this fantastic project. In partnership with Elmbridge Borough Council and Runnymede Borough Council, the Youth Hub will provide training and education opportunities to young people in the local community.