A charity that supports young people to get into work has secured a key contract.

Ashford-based CXK has secured the National Careers Service delivery contract for the south-east region in a three-year deal.

Awarded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency, it runs from today, October 1, and will focus on proactively supporting six priority groups to get into work.

They are young people aged 18-24 who are not in education, employment or training; those unemployed for more than 12 months; low-skilled adults; single parents; unemployed adults over 50; and adults with special educational needs or who have a disability.

The contract will see CXK extend its reach across Kent, Medway, East Sussex, West Sussex, Berkshire, Hampshire, Surrey and the Isle of Wight - supporting around 44,000 people.

Pauline Smith, CEO at CXK, said: “The new contract will enable us to develop the strengths of our current contract whilst also creating innovative, modern and inspirational IAG [information, advice and guidance] services for our beneficiaries moving forward. The National Careers Service is entering an exciting period of innovation and growth, which we’re thrilled to be a part of.”

The National Careers Service provides a range of services designed to help young people and adults to build the skills and confidence they need to move into education, employment or training.