A NATIONWIDE scheme which helps young people find jobs has received a £2.4 million boost.

The cash injection has come from the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES).

The scheme, Business Class, creates long-term partnerships between leading businesses and schools in some of the UK’s most deprived areas.

Business in the Community, the charity behind the scheme, is calling for business and schools from across Fenland to join the programme and help to raise the aspirations of local young people.

In Fenland, only 49.2 per cent of young people achieve five GSCE at A* to C including English and Maths.

Faye Ramsson, education campaign director, Business in the Community, said: “Partnering with a school is one of the most effective ways that business can make a difference in their community so we hope business and schools in Fenland will take this opportunity to form sustained partnerships.

“Business Class makes a difference because it creates genuine long term partnerships which consider the needs of the whole school.

“Partner businesses work with schools in a variety of ways, from offering guidance on business planning and mentoring teachers to specific student support such as CV writing, interview skills, literacy and maths.

“There has been fantastic take-up of schools and business joining Business Class across the country and it’s making a real difference, particularly around inspiring young people about the world of work and connecting them with opportunities to learn from potential employers and gain work experience.

“We’re excited to now be able to bring the scheme to Fenland and encourage all secondary schools and businesses to get involved.”

For more information go to www.bitc.org.uk/programmes/business-class