Unemployment statistics present a gloomy start to the new year

Unemployment statistics released this week present a gloomy start to the new year, with youth unemployment for 16 to 24-year-olds rising by 52,000 to 1.04 million or 22.3% of economic active 16 to 24-year-olds.

‘Youth unemployment is a waste of talent and can have a negative impact on young people for the rest of their lives. At Catch22 we know young people that we work with have the skills, talents and motivation to succeed in life. It’s our belief they just need a helping hand to get an important foothold on the career ladder.’
Asi Panditharatna, Catch22 Assistant Director (Business Development) and learning and employability lead.

Catch22 believes that youth unemployment is a serious challenge that requires the combined resources of the public sector, employers, charities, social businesses and individuals to work together.

Learning and employability is an important focus of our work in 2012. Catch22 has joined Employment Related Services Association (ERSA) as a full member and this reaffirms our commitment to supporting young people and others to develop their employability skills and to access and sustain their employment.

Catch22 believe that pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships are a route to tackling the challenge of youth unemployment.

Catch22 is an apprenticeship provider and is expanding its provision to work with more young people and young adults. Find out more about Catch22 apprenticeships.

Catch22 apprentices shortlisted for Apprentice of the Year Awards

Catch22 is delighted to announce that apprentices in Hampshire, Daniel Edwards and Layna Thorn have been short listed for the Portsmouth News Apprentice of The Year in its Business Excellence Awards

Layna performed CPR on a swimming pool customer and saved his life. Layna is completing a Level 2 NVQ Leisure Services apprenticeship at Flemming Park in Eastleigh. Part of Layna`s apprenticeship framework was to complete her NPLQ and first aid, which proved invaluable in her reaction to deal with the incident.

Dan has overcome his dyslexia and achieved his qualification. Dan was doing an NVQ Level 2 Operational Services apprenticeship and during his training also passed his Level 2 certificate in gym instructing along with several other related qualifications. Dan works at Solent AC in Southampton and has since moved into full time employment and is undertaking his Level 3 Personal Trainer qualification.

The awards, hosted by Portsmouth-based newspaper 'The News', celebrates what's great about businesses in the Portsmouth area. Each category winner will go on to the Southern Business Awards finals
Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony at Portsmouth Guildhall on Friday 10 February 2012.

Catch22 would like to congratulate both Daniel and Layna on their nominations and achievements.

Catch22 would like to talk to national, regional and local employers who are interested in participating in our Apprenticeship Programme.
Please contact BD@Catch22.org.uk