A LOCAL authority in Essex has made a pledge to fire up employment prospects for young people during the course of 2014.

Basildon Council will work with local training providers and employers to improve opportunities.

The initiative kicked off with the signing of a joint memorandum of understanding between the council and Prospects College.

The document was signed during a breakfast meeting held at Wat Tyler Park, Pitsea.

The breakfast meeting was also attended by representatives of more than 20 local businesses, including Mulalley and Co, Vinci Facilities, Mitie Housing maintenance, and Wates.

All the businesses are council contractors employing a large number of people between them.

Phil Turner, deputy council leader and councillor responsible for housing, said: “This event was one of a series of run by the council with its partners to promote economic development, local employment and skills opportunities. It enabled us to cement our partnership with Prospects College.

It also gave contractors the opportunity to network, and they were able to hear about how we want to develop our relationship. We have made greater employment opportunities for young people a key priority. Between us, we can deliver what we aim to achieve.”

In the course of the breakfast meeting, there was a briefing from Bruce Benson, operations manager for council contractor Mulalley.

He described how the firm has employed apprentices to work on Basildon’s Decent Homes programme. Eight of them are from the borough. Firms with a proactive approach to employing young people could benefit when contracts are in the offing.

Mr Turner said: “We want to award contracts to firms that not only provide good value for money, but can also demonstrate they will be of value to the community.

He added: “This event bridged the gap between Prospects College and local companies and will lead to more young people gaining valuable experience through apprenticeship schemes.”

Young people interested in apprenticeships or other job opportunities can find out more at Prospects College open days, running from 5pm until 8pm on February 11 (Canvey), 12 (Southend) and 13 (Basildon). Call 0800 389 3589.