Burmantofts sessions help youngsters get into work or training

By Daniel Wilkinson

East Leeds residents can benefit from a programme that can help get them in to work.

Spear is a free programme that helps 16 – 24 year olds get into work and is holding programmes in Burmantofts.

This is all to support younger people getting into employment, education or training. The courses are designed to take place on the 8th May and the 25th June to find out more please visit the website the link is posted below.

It is aimed at younger people who face barriers to employment in their lives with such things as people with care experiences, not completing school, mental health conditions, criminal records etc.

“We want to reach the people that need us the most,” said Charlotte Pearce.

The programme is a six-week course that will both get individuals ready for work utilising such things as changing mindsets to take control of situations and coaching younger people; the course then aims to support the young people whilst in work with the programme coming to an end after a year of gaining employment or further education.

The programme ends in a celebration to reflect all the good work and the changes the young individuals have been through whilst starting the course.

“We believe each young person has huge potential, no matter what barriers to employment they face.

“On the Spear Programme, we help our trainees realise this potential, by coaching them with the mindset and skills they need to both get into work, and thrive once they’re there,” a Spear Leeds spokesperson said.

20 years ago Spear started in London due to unemployment rates across the city, there are now Spear centres across the U.K. with the Leeds centre having been open for four and a half years.

9,000 younger people have now benefitted from the programme with 75% of individuals finding sustainable work or employment for the first year after completing the programme.

To apply to one of the courses the quickest and easiest way is through the website, others get on the course through referrals through school or college, the job centre or careers fairs.

To find more out about the courses on offer please visit the website: