The Talent Match programme has been recognised for its inspirational work by the European Commission.
The programme is one of 24 ‘promising practices’ from across Europe singled out by the commission for the support they give to young people as they transition from school to work – the only one in the UK to receive the praise.
Talent Match North East is the top performing partnership in terms of actual job starts, with over 2,500 young people benefitting from its support and over 1,000 of these gaining employment.
TMNE offers young people a dedicated youth coach who can tailor the support given to the needs of the individual, including help with CVs, skills, confidence, training and finding job opportunities.
Research shows that it is the relationship between youth coach and young person that is key to the programme’s success.
Sean Duffy, CEO of the Wise Group, who manages the TMNE partnership, said: “To be recognised by the European Commission in this way further highlights the achievements of Talent Match, building on the successes achieved in the North East and across the UK.”
“We’re extremely proud to manage Talent Match in the North East which so far has helped 1,000 young people into work. The North East has one of the highest proportions in the UK of young people who are not in education, employment or training, and programmes like Talent Match are crucial to addressing youth unemployment across the UK.
“With the tailor-made support that Talent Match North East offers each young person, the Wise Group and our partners can help them to break down the barriers that stand between them and their goals, matching their talents to the needs of employers.
Scott Hignett, Head of Funding, Talent Match at the Big Lottery Fund, said: “Talent Match is the only UK-based programme or project to have been recognised by the European commission in this way, and this is testament to the amazing work being carried out by the grantholders, as exemplified by Talent Match North East.
It is their continued commitment to co-production and putting young people at the heart of what they do which sets Talent Match apart from most other youth employment schemes in Europe and shows the positive impact of National Lottery funding.”
