Corporate releases

KP Teesside helps tackle youth unemployment

Date: 28-11-2011

 KP Teesside is working with youth charity The Prince’s Trust to help inspire unemployed young people by providing them with an insight into the world of snacks.

KP Teesside’s Factory Manager Mark Duffy and three KP factory employees spoke to young people taking part in The Prince’s Trust’s Team programme at Stockton Riverside College this week about the rewarding career opportunities available in food manufacturing.

The Prince’s Trust Team programme is a 12 week personal development course which gives unemployed young people the skills and confidence to find work.

Mr Duffy talked to the students about United Biscuits (UB), the products the company makes, the processes involved in producing snacks and biscuits, and the different types of jobs available in the factory. The group also heard first hand accounts from the three KP Teesside employees about their experiences of working in a snacks factory. 

Mr Duffy said many young people didn’t realise the varied career paths that are available to people working in a food manufacturing factory or for a company like UB: “At a time when youth unemployment is running at over one million it is more important than ever that we look to help and assist young people as they look to progress into the world. Many are unaware of what opportunities there are and indeed what to expect in a work environment. 

”In many ways it is about building people's confidence but also getting them to understand that there are no easy rides these days and they have to work at it if they want to get on. We are looking to assist them on their first step up the ladder.”

Members of KP Teesside’s HR team and Managers from within the business will also be assisting the group further in December by helping to prepare them for job applications. The company will offer mock interview sessions for the types of roles the factory recruits for and provide advice about the dos and don’ts of job hunting, application form writing, and CV preparation. 

Youth charity The Prince's Trust helps change young lives.  It gives practical and financial support, developing key workplace skills such as confidence and motivation.  It works with 13- to 30-year-olds who have struggled at school, have been in care, are long-term unemployed or have been in trouble with the law. Last year more than three in four young people helped by The Prince’s Trust moved into work, training or education.