WARRINGTON is part of a partnership of three councils to win a share of a £1 billion government investment in new jobs for young adults.
The borough council has linked up with the new Cheshire West and Chester and Cheshire East councils to secure the funding from the Future Jobs Fund.
Jobs will be aimed at young people aged between 18 and 24 who have been out of work for 12 months. There will 
also be opportunities for people above this age from areas where unemployment is significantly higher than the average.
The national initiative from the Department for Work and Pensions is part of the government’s promise to support young people during the current economic crisis.
Coun Ian Marks, leader of Warrington Borough Council (pictured) said: “This level of investment will make a huge difference to securing a future in work for young people throughout the region.
“It is vital during these difficult economic times that help with jobs, training and experience reaches young people in our hard hit communities.
“This success demonstrates clearly the importance of effective sub-regional partnership working in Cheshire and Warrington to continue to attract government funding to this part of the North West. The fund will be providing a welcome boost to the local economy”.
Coun Herbert Manley, of Cheshire West and Chester Council, which is leading the partnership, said: “New jobs starting this autumn will be for a minimum of six months, paying at least the national minimum wage and will provide an opportunity to gain new skills, valuable work experience and future job references, whilst also helping to bring benefits to the local community.”
In addition to the three councils, other organisations taking part in the partnership include Cheshire and Warrington Economic Alliance, Jobcentre Plus, the Learning and Skills Council and a number of voluntary and community organisations.
Three hundred and fifty jobs are expected to be created during the first six months of the project.
The opportunities are wide ranging, including community safety wardens, fire safety workers, furniture restoration assistants, office assistants, decorators, drivers, care workers, learning support assistants – even trainee boatsmiths!
Andrew Heydeman, employment and skills manager at Cheshire and Warrington Economic Alliance, said: “We are delighted to have helped stimulate and influence the effective collaboration of key partners, which successfully won this government funding, against strong competition from many other organisations.”
Referrals to the scheme will be through Jobcentre plus – so young adults interested in learning more about the programme should ensure their local Jobcentre advisor knows their job aspirations.
