Former Arun Youth Council chairman Alex launches youth job scheme

Littlehampton’s Alex Harman, who was in charge of the Arun Youth Council last year, has received a £300 grant from the O2 Think Big project to set up a scheme to benefit other young people in West Sussex keen to climb the initial rung of the employment ladder.

The 18-year-old’s project, entitled Access2Work, is a service designed to help young people aged between 16 and 25 find work or much-needed training to kick-start their career.

Alex, who now works in Chichester, said: “The project starts off by us meeting with the young person to have a chat about what type of work they are looking for.

“We then contact local employers, apprenticeship providers and colleges to find out what is available in that area of work.

“After this, we meet again with the young person and talk through the information we have found and discuss options.

“Once they have decided which option he or she would like to aim towards, we will work to help them through the process until the point where, hopefully, they sign an employment contract.”

Arun’s chairman Ann Smee, praised Alex, saying: “It’s always good to watch our Arun youth councillors continue their interest in helping other young people and playing a positive role in society. Alex was always keen to make a difference and in this project he has found another avenue to continue to inspire other young people and provide them with valuable advice and support.”

Alex is keen to hear from businesses and organisations that would be able to offer advice to young people or assist with resources and equipment for the project itself.

He first joined the youth council in 2008 and has been involved in leading projects on money management and anti-bullying in schools. He can be contacted by email at: [email protected]