A team of new apprentices have been set a challenge to help hundreds of young unemployed Cornish people into jobs, through an innovative Big Lottery-funded scheme called Talent Match.

Anyone aged 18 to 24 old who has been unemployed for a year or more is invited to engage in the £1.7m project, which is designed to create a brighter future for young people across Cornwall. It is led by the Real Ideas Organisation (RIO), in partnership with the social enterprises Cornwall Marine Network, RE:SOURCE/Addaction and Active Plus.

The five new apprentices, who were recently recruited through Cornwall Marine Network’s Apprenticeship Agency, are Luca Seaman, 23, from Penryn, Jayne Goddard, 19, from Liskeard, Kieron Thomas, 18, from Pool, Hannah Mustoe, 17, from Bodmin, and Jarrad Leonard, 19, from Four Lanes.

They have the task of supporting young people into the job market by creating training, work experience and partnership opportunities with local employers. Cornwall Marine Network (CMN) will deliver the apprentices’ training, which will result in a business administration level two qualification.

Speaking about the programme, Luca said: “I am very grateful to not only be given this opportunity to better the lives of others as well as my own, but also to be an integral part of this new and exciting initiative. I am looking forward to this challenge and ultimately to making positive changes to my community.”

CMN also delivered a Works Skills training programme to all the apprentice applicants prior to helping shortlist the candidates and interview them with RIO. David Wickes, of Falmouth=-based CMN, said: “Talent Match Cornwall is a really exciting and innovative five year programme designed by young people to support young people in a variety of ways. The alliance of partners has already engaged with over 180 young people and 60 businesses in Cornwall and we are very keen to add to this list.

"The programme can offer one-to-one support which enables young people to link into a number of different services and training providers; helping them reach their ultimate goal of gaining employment.”

CMN is keen to hear from young people who have been long-term unemployed and want support into the workplace, plus businesses wanting to pledge their support for the scheme – whether giving inspirational talks to the young people, site tours or work experience. For further details contact David Wickes at CMN on david.wickes@cornwallmarine.net or 01326 211382.