AN INITIATIVE has been launced to help unemployed young people in Partington into work.

The Partington Pledge, spearheaded by Trafford Council, the Department of Work and Pensions and the Partington Neighbourhood Partnership, invites businesses to offer their support to young people in a number of ways - whether it be offering a job or work experience, recruiting an apprentice or providing practical help with CV writing or preparing for interviews.

There are 85 young people aged between 18-24 who are looking for work in the area and 240 businesses located in the immediate vicinity of Partington and Carrington.

The pledge aims to match the two together.

Leader of Trafford Council, Cllr Matt Colledge, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to make a real difference to the future of young people in Partington while enhancing their own profile and reputation at the same time.

“Trafford Council is committed to supporting young people in the borough and we are delighted to be working with partner organisations and local businesses to enable schemes like this to come to fruition."

Colin Billingsley, of the Department for Work and Pensions, added: "This is a terrific opportunity for local businesses, no matter how big or small, to kick-start the career of a young person from Partington."

The first businesses to get involved in the initiative gathered at Carrington Business Park to sign the pledge. Those who have signed include Carrington Business Park, Harcon Services Ltd, Duro Felguera, Alstom, Premier Inn, Blue Arrow, SAICA, Trafford College, Your Housing Group and the Army - 103 Regiment Royal Artillery and 207 Field Hospital.

Wolfgang Puschitz, Alstom project director said: "We’re delighted to be involved with this admirable initiative. Getting young people into work is key to the future success of this area. Alstom and our consortium partners Duro Felguera will be in the area for the next three years, during the construction of Carrington Power Station and we want to work closely with the community to maximise benefits to local people.”

If your business is interested in signing up or requires any more information about the Partington Pledge, please email your contact details to Partingtonpledge@outlook.com or call 0161 912 4176.