A new Youth Hub offering support to young people looking for work is set to open in Bilton in November.
Based at the Bilton Health and Wellbeing Hub on Bilton Lane, it will bring together Department for Work and Pensions work coaches and partner organisations.
Young people will be able to access up to six months of tailored support to develop skills, tackle barriers to work and move towards long-term employment.
Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon has welcomed the opening and called for wider action to support young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET).
According to figures highlighted by the MP, 981,000 people aged 16–24 nationally are NEET, representing 13% of the age group.
He said 1,315 young people in Harrogate and Knaresborough are looking for work – an increase of 115 compared with a year earlier.
Tom said:
“Nearly a million young people across the country are stuck outside work, education and training, and Harrogate and Knaresborough isn't immune. Every one of those numbers is a young person whose potential is being wasted, and the longer someone is out, the harder it is to get back in.
“That's why this Hub matters. Too often, support is scattered across different offices and phone lines. This puts it all under one roof, right in the heart of Bilton, and it's great to see Harrogate Town stepping up alongside the Jobcentre. Alongside the Harrogate College rebuild I secured, it means young people here will have better routes into skills and work than they've had in years.
“But a Hub on its own won't fix this. We need local employers offering placements and apprenticeships, and a thriving high street that creates the entry-level jobs young people rely on. I'll keep pushing the Government to back both. In the meantime, I'd urge anyone who works with young people to spread the word.”
The opening on 11th November comes as work continues on Harrogate College’s new campus.
The £20 million Department for Education funding for the rebuild had lapsed following planning delays.
Tom raised the issue in Parliament and met the Minister for Skills before receiving confirmation that the funding would go ahead.
Martin House care team completes 100-mile relay from coast to hospice
64 arrests made in North Yorkshire Police's biggest ever operation
Police appeal after woman bitten by dog in Harrogate bar
Knaresborough terrace repair may not begin until 2027 as 2,000 sign petition
Harrogate BID wins fifth consecutive Gold at Yorkshire in Bloom
Former farmer scoops Starbeck in Bloom prize with homegrown onion
Ripon's former Quarry Moor Activity Centre to make way for new hub
Harrogate district community groups share £89,000 funding boost
Over 500 Afghans resettled in North Yorkshire as 23 households await new homes
Terminal illness council tax exemption could cost North Yorkshire £2.2m a year
Former Harrogate bank to reopen as solicitors' office
Harrogate's Fitness Garage reaches national awards final
CCTV appeal: Jellycat toys stolen from Harrogate gift shop
Harrogate dad fulfils dream with new Otley Road barber shop
Fearless Harrogate gran, 80, completes charity wingwalk
Sir Gareth Southgate to join Martin House Glitter Ball in Harrogate
Artist gives colourful makeover to Harrogate's BT boxes
Halloween trail and animal encounters coming to Harlow Carr
M&S graffiti sparks police investigation in Harrogate
Harrogate's dinosaur LEGO trail hailed as huge success
