A new training venture for young people in Dover has received a good response from businesses, according to the man managing the project.

Roger Walkden is working on behalf of the Channel Chamber of Commerce to manage the project, which is based at the former Royal Mail sorting office at Charlton Green.

Describing it as “probably the most exciting initiative to hit Dover in years”, he said the aim was to find work placements for unemployed young people, paid for by the chamber.

He said that every one of the businesses he had contacted had been very positive about the scheme, and would try to find temporary jobs for the young people.

“Apprenticeships are the goal for many of them and the range of apprenticeships is huge,” he said.

“Local young people, aged between 18 and 24 years, who are all job seekers, are being offered to local employers for periods of between four and six months as a valuable additional resource to help businesses and voluntary organisations, for free.

“They will be contracted to work 25 hours a week; the start and end times of each day will be determined by the employer.

“Working in partnership with Kent County Council and Learning and Skills for Business in the Community, these work placements have been made possible through the government’s Future Jobs Fund, which the Channel Chamber of Commerce is helping to deliver.

Anyone interested in the scheme can contact Mr Walkden on 07712 626245, or email rogerwalkden@channelchamber.co.uk

Full story in this week's Dover Mercury.