Pledge from Calico Group to create 120 jobs, training opportunities and apprenticeships for young people in Burnley

Making the pledge today the Calico Group said the new opportunities were being created in direct response to the widely predicted national 'jobs crisis'

The project will be run through the organisation's skills and training arm, Calico Enterprise, a provider of job skills training programmes, adult education opportunities and recruitment solutions focused on helping the less

advantaged members of society.

As the pandemic continues to impact the economy, roughly 70% of roles in Burnley and Pendle will be classed as ‘affected’, ‘vulnerable’ or ‘very vulnerable’, according to the charity Centre for Cities.

These job losses and reduced opportunities look set to particularly impact younger people, prompting Burnley Council Leader Coun. Coun Mark Townsend, to warn they could become the ‘lost generation.'

The Calico Group’s ‘Skills and; Employment Commitment’ covers many industries and sectors, including housing, residential care, retail, media and communications, construction and trades, and customer service, and incorporates apprenticeships, traineeships, and the new government led ‘Kickstart’ programme, designed for 16 – 24 year olds who face long term unemployment.

Within the next 12 months, The Calico Group pledges to provide:

* 30 young people to be employed under the Kickstart scheme.

* 30 apprenticeships will be generated across the group.

* 60 young people will benefit from work placements.

In addition, support will be given to 250 people via a range of employment, wellbeing and personal development programmes, all designed to get individuals closer to accessing work or training.

Sam Howarth, who is head of skills and employment at Calico Enterprise, said; ‘We have an ongoing

role to play in creating local employment opportunities and apprenticeships, even more so considering the enormous impact that the pandemic is having on jobs across the North West.

"As an organisation that has always been proud of our reputation as an employer, and our track record in delivering skills and employability support, we know that we can play a vital part in helping our communities to access employment and skills.’

Additionally, Calico Enterprise are helping to deliver Burnley Together’s new Youth Jobs Hub, helping to ensure younger people in the area still have access to training, job opportunities and wellbeing services during what is set to be a challenging time.

Funding for the Kickstart and apprenticeship programmes is provided in part by the government, with the Social Enterprise Network for Lancashire (SELNET) issuing grants for the other employability schemes via the European Social Fund and the National Lottery Community Fund.

Details of the skills and training opportunities can be found on the website https://calicoenterprise.org.uk.