A CHARITY has set up its first programme in Bradford in response to the city's high number of unemployed young people.

Groundwork Leeds has opened a centre in Wyke to help local 16 to 18-year-olds who are not in education, employment or training (NEETs) by developing their employment skills.

The charity has already established projects in disadvantaged areas of Leeds and Dewsbury, where 80 per cent of those taking part have progressed to a job or further education.

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Groundwork has now set up at the Delph Hill Community Centre and is offering young people 30 week courses to improve their maths and English, gain work experience through a work placement with a local employer and achieve a qualification in Creative Art and Media.

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When they complete the course young people can walk away with up to five nationally recognised qualifications and are also offered support with CV writing and interview techniques.

The charity also helps people adopt a more green lifestyle and works with communities to improve parks and gardens in their local area.

The course in Bradford is a rolling one, with new young people taken on each Monday.

Recent government figures showed that in Bradford around 5.4 per cent of 16 to18-year-olds were not in education, work or training.

Lifelong Learning Manager at Groundwork Leeds Paula Hinsley said the organisation was really excited to offer opportunities to even more young people.

"We chose Bradford for our latest programme because the number of NEET young people is currently in the top three in the Yorkshire and Humber region," she said.

"We are committed to helping all the people we work with and up-skilling them to ensure they have the best chance of a successful future - something that we believe is possible for everyone."

One of the young people who received training at the Wakefield project was 18-year-old Josh Procter, who has since achieved a role as an apprentice at Keepmoat Property Service.

He said: "The programme has really helped me to decide what I want to do with my life.

"The tutors are all great. They supported me throughout my course and helped me achieve my qualifications and reach my goal.

"I have completed certified training in Safe Work at Heights, Customer Care, Asbestos Awareness, Gas Awareness and Fire Marshalling and I have not looked back since moving on to my full time apprenticeship."