Realising aspirations in South Derbyshire

A new Council-backed initiative to support young people in South Derbyshire is being launched by Direct Education Business Partnership (DEBP).

The Mobility South Derbyshire programme aims to ensure young people have the opportunity to access skilled jobs, higher and further education, training and apprenticeships.

This programme also seeks to link young peoples’ aspirations to key growing sectors and skills gaps in the local economy.

Mobility South Derbyshire will provide a range of experiences and sectoral opportunities linking schools and businesses in order to promote social mobility and support young people in realising their aspirations.

Activities will include work experience placements with local companies, meeting business role models, taking part in workshops with businesses from the area’s key sectors, and being mentored by employers.

Clare Talati, DEBP Chief Executive Officer said, "By connecting learners with local employers, we hope to inspire the next generation of workers into their industry. Mobility South Derbyshire provides young people with a great opportunity to improve and develop the skills they need and that employers value, as well as learning about behaviours and attitudes appropriate to employment settings."

Targeted at pupils aged 14-16 years, the programme will be delivered in South Derbyshire’s secondary schools including the South Derbyshire Support Centre, and through Derbyshire Adult Community Education Service.

Councillor Robert Pearson, Leader of South Derbyshire District Council, said: “We are delighted to be bringing in the team from DEBP to support the aspirations of our young people, as part of South Derbyshire’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund programme.”

DEBP is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation. It supports children, young people, and vulnerable adults to have a positive future, through equipping them with the opportunities and tools for success. Multi-disciplinary team members provide well-being, employability, and careers support, for learners across all educational settings, working in partnership with primary, secondary, mainstream, specialist, and support centres, and in the community.

This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

South Derbyshire District Council devised the initiative and will oversee the contract with DEBP who will deliver the Mobility South Derbyshire programme. 

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.

For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus.

3 September 2024