Amey, Birmingham City Council and The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award have launched a three-way partnership to improve prospects for young people living across Birmingham, starting with one of the most deprived wards in the UK.
The three organisations have joined forces to employ a dedicated DofE development worker, who will encourage disadvantaged young people from across the city to start their DofE.
The first area being targeted is Ladywood, which is reported as having the highest rate of unemployment in the UK, as 10.8 per cent of the working population do not have a job. By offering a chance to complete their DofE, the organisations hope to improve young people’s self esteem and career prospects.
The agreement forms an extension of the £2.7 billion Birmingham Highways Maintenance and Management Service; a partnership between Amey and Birmingham City Council. In addition, Amey is a DofE Gold Partner, which recognises a genuine commitment to supporting and promoting the Charity.
Mel Ewell, Chief Executive of Amey, said: “Amey is delighted to be working with The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and Birmingham City Council to help young people in the West Midlands break the cycle of unemployment and fulfil their potential – personally and professionally.
“As a major employer in the region, we believe Amey has a responsibility to continually ‘give back’ to local people and help regenerate the communities we work in.”
Peter Westgarth, Chief Executive of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award said: “Our Charity has bold ambitions to double the number of young people from all walks of life doing their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and this innovative partnership with Amey is a real step towards that goal.
“It is a tough time to be a young person in the UK with competition for jobs and training at an all-time high. We know that the DofE develops the skills young people need to get into work, and we are delighted that Amey has committed to helping young people improve their life chances in Birmingham through the DofE.”
The initiative was officially launched at the E R Mason Youth Centre in Birmingham, when several of the young people who will be taking part joined representatives from the three organisations involved, as well as the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Anita Ward.
Funding for the initiative was provided by Amey and Birmingham City Council. The new development worker will work with the City Council’s Youth Service team to target young people who are disadvantaged – through economic circumstances or personal reasons.