New Skills and Employment Service launched to empower NEET young people and economically inactive adults across Suffolk

Thrive: Suffolk Skills and Employment Service, a new initiative designed to provide targeted support and opportunities for NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) young people and adults across Suffolk who would benefit from support, is set to be launched in the coming days.

The programme is funded by the district councils in the county who have combined their grant allocations from the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to deliver this bespoke service.

The fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.

The Thrive programme is a partnership led by Suffolk New College, with West Suffolk College, East Coast College, Inspire Suffolk, Lofty Heights, Anglia Care Trust and Access Community Trust.

The programme aims to deliver a high-quality support service that addresses the complex needs of Suffolk’s residents.

By offering a highly localised and responsive approach, Thrive is dedicated to helping individuals navigate their unique challenges and access the full spectrum of education, training and employment opportunities available within the county.

Thrive will offer a two-tier support system designed to meet the specific needs of both young people and adults.

The programme begins with a common triage and initial engagement process, ensuring that each participant receives tailored guidance from the outset.

From there, individuals can access two linked support pathways, each providing robust and continuous assistance towards their employment and education goals.

The collaboration between the three major colleges in Suffolk and the Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector ensures that participants benefit from a wealth of expertise and resources.

This partnership is poised to secure positive onward pathways into work, further education, and training, combining outstanding support with proven success in facilitating long-term, positive outcomes.

The project is funding three progression coach roles across the whole project for the college. They will work out of all campuses as well as community and partner locations across Suffolk.

Thrive: Suffolk Skills and Employment Service will launch on the June 11, more information and referral forms can be found here www.suffolk.ac.uk/thrive

The initial contract for the Thrive programme is set for one year, with the potential for extension to a second year pending additional government funding.

Alan Pease, principal and CEO of Suffolk New College, said: “We are incredibly excited to be leading the Thrive project and are looking forward to working with a brilliant set of partners who share our passion for ensuring everyone in Suffolk gets the chance to achieve their potential.

“We are passionate about supporting people of all ages to achieve positive outcomes so this project is very close to our hearts.”