A FIRM which carries out work across Greater Manchester has signed a commitment to employing yet more young people.

The construction and engineering firm Laing O’Rourke signed a pledge with Trafford Council to put more businesses at the heart of future employment.

The pledge aims to provide opportunities for young people to be matched with local businesses, who have committed to the pledge to offer employment support through local jobs, apprenticeships, work experience or mentoring.

To date, the pledge has assisted more than 1,500 people into employment and 98 apprenticeships.

The event, hosted by Trafford Council in partnership with Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and the Department of Work and Pension(DWP) was supported by members of the Trafford Employment Enterprise and Skills (TEES) group.

The event at the Chill Factore included an overview of the key skills policy changes, consideration of the impact of these changes on employers, and advice on available funding and support.

Trafford Council leader Sean Anstee said: “The fantastic response from businesses that have come forward and offered such wide-ranging job opportunities is great to see, and we welcome Laing O’Rourke signing the pledge.”

Ian Mitchell, manager at the DWP, said: “Jobcentre Plus is proud to be a key partner in the success of the pledge, which over the past three years has supported more than 1,000 people into jobs and apprenticeships. Jobcentre Plus will continue to provide support to this innovative project.”

Laing O’Rourke’s David Marsh said: "The firm has a long and proud history of delivering projects in the Greater Manchester region and we’re passionate about leaving a positive legacy in the areas in which we operate.

“Signing the pledge is a symbol of this commitment to the local area and I know my colleagues in the region will be looking forward to welcoming people on to our exciting projects whether they be work experience students, apprentices or new recruits.”

Anyone wanting more information about the Trafford Pledge should visit the employment@trafford.gov.uk or contact the team on 0161 912 4176 or email traffordpledge@outlook.com.