Later today we are launching a new campaign "Our city, our recovery, our futures" and is calling on young people and businesses to come together to enable Norwich to flourish beyond the Covid pandemic.

Since 2013, Norwich for Jobs has changed lives by helping local young people aged 16 to 24 get into work. The project offers support to young people looking for work, employers looking to recruit and organisations that work with young people. Norwich for Jobs is a network of local employers, charities and organisations coming together with the aim of getting young people the skills and experience they need to get into work.

Member of Parliament for Norwich North and Founder of the Norwich for Jobs Project, Chloe Smith, explains:

“The Coronavirus outbreak has been one of the biggest public challenges for a generation, and it’s caused a lot of change for people in Norwich. Young people and workplaces have both faced a lot of upheaval. We don’t want the pandemic to extend into more damage to people’s jobs. So Norwich for Jobs is taking action once again. We know that this project can make a difference in our city because we’ve done it before. 

“As we begin our recovery from the pandemic, it is clear to me that we need to come together and rebuild a city that we can all be proud of. It’s about our city, our recovery and our futures. I call on local employers to get involved because we can help you to come back stronger, and together we can help young people to get the chances they desperately need.”

Julia Nix OBE, East Anglia District Manager for the Department for Work and Pensions and member of the Norwich for Jobs Strategic Board, commented:

“The support Norfolk employers have given to Norwich for Jobs in the last eight years has been overwhelming and of a really high standard, including apprenticeships and mock interviews.  I continue to be impressed with the backing so together we can ensure no young person has to start their working life off on benefits. I look forward to continuing to work together on this new campaign.”

Corrienne Peasgood OBE, City College Norwich, Easton College and Paston College and member of the Norwich for Jobs Strategic Board, commented:

“We have seen first-hand the impact that the pandemic has had on our students – not just in terms of the disruption to their learning, but more widely in relation to their mental health, wellbeing, and confidence about the future. It is so important that we work together, and draw on every available resource, to make sure that this generation of young people do not find themselves at a disadvantage in their careers because of the pandemic”

Chris Sargisson, Chief Executive of the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce and member of the Norwich for Jobs Strategic Board, commented:

“Norfolk Chambers has been proud to be part of Norwich for Jobs since its inception. We will continue to support and encourage employers to recruit young people and deliver enterprise engagement to ensure Norfolk’s future workforce remains strong and resilient.”

Nicola Curle, Partner of Howes Percival LLP and lead on Norwich for Jobs Employers Panel, commented:

“Howes Percival has been supporting Norwich for Jobs since it began in 2013 both a members of the Steering Group and Employer Panel. It is thoroughly rewarding to engage in a project that connects Norwich businesses with young people looking to start their careers. We have been involved in a variety of activities designed to engage with young people exploring their options in the job market. We’ve held workplace tours, CV review sessions, mock interviews as well as getting involved in a couple of ‘reverse job fairs’. I would encourage all local businesses to join the Norwich for Jobs Employer Panel. This bringsthe benefit of sharing insights on employer best practice and gaining advice on the latest employer financial incentives. Most importantly, we can explore opportunities to enhance the career prospects of Norwich’s 16 – 24 year olds.”

Businesses and young people can find out how to get involved with the campaign on Facebook or LinkedIn or Instagram