Members of Blaby District Youth Council have taken part in a job shadowing initiative as part of a wider project to actively involve young people in the shaping of council priorities.
The six volunteers took one day placements within the Blaby District Council across several different areas, including Environmental Health, Communications and Legal Services, gaining valuable insight into the workings of local government.
Young people make up around a quarter of the total population of the Blaby District. Reformed in 2015, the Youth Council offers a platform for people aged between 11 and 19 to raise awareness and bring about change on key matters affecting them, as well as providing development opportunities for work related skills through volunteering and training.
One member of the Youth Council, Simran, spent the day within the Legal Services department. He said: “It was a really great day. I enjoyed it and found it very useful – especially in making my next choices for A-Levels and sixth form as well as later on in life.”
Charlie-Ann, who also took part in a placement within Legal Services, said: “I thoroughly enjoyed it, learned a lot and found it a very useful and inspiring experience!”
The Youth Council meet once a month to voice their opinions and offer advice to the wider council on the shaping of the community. The job shadowing initiative is the latest scheme developed to encourage young people to engage with local government and think about their future career.
Councillor Ben Taylor, Youth Council Chairman, said: “This provided a great opportunity for young people to better understand the world of work. It is also an excellent way for them to gain confidence.”
He added: “It shows that we are committed to providing opportunities for young people to better understand the world of work and give them ideas for a future career path.”
As well as running campaigns and project work, the Youth Council are also responsible for a newly launched grant scheme, offering youth grants of up to £1,000 to local groups and organisations.
By Jennifer Morris
