CREDITON Town Council is delighted to be offering work experience placements to eight young people this year, reinforcing its commitment to helping local young people develop essential workplace skills, confidence and experience.

The programme forms part of the council's youth strategic objectives to support learning, skills development and personal growth, ensuring that young people in Crediton have opportunities to gain practical experience and a better understanding of the world of work.

Participants will spend time working alongside council staff and elected members, learning about local government, community engagement and the different roles involved within the town council.

This opportunity comes at a particularly important time. VOYC Devon announced that nationally, more than 1,000,000 young people aged 16–24 are now classified as NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training), with recent figures showing this number has risen to over 1,012,000.

The challenges facing young people are particularly acute in rural areas such as Devon. The decline of traditional Saturday jobs, seasonal employment patterns, rising transport costs and limited public transport can all make it difficult for young people to access valuable work opportunities.

A parent of one of last year's participants said: “[They] thoroughly enjoyed last year's work experience!

“During the project, she was so energised and engaged, it really lit a passion in her for local government and how it sees the younger members of the community.

“She gained in confidence, especially in speaking to adults outside of the school environment on challenging topics. I would encourage any young person considering it to give it a go!”

Whilst we cannot solve the national challenge of youth inactivity, Crediton Town Council is determined to play its part.

Cath Kelly

Lead Youth Worker and DSL

Crediton Town Council