Ledley and Secretary of State meet our young apprentices

Ledley King welcomed Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Iain Duncan Smith, to White Hart Lane today for the launch of a local jobs pilot aimed at getting more young people from black and ethnic minorities into work.

A new ‘Job Fit’ pilot has been developed from survey results showing local young people wanted more mentoring and work experience opportunities.

Tottenham Hotspur is already working in partnership with Jobcentre Plus, Haringey Council and Sainsbury’s on an employment partnership for all local people to carry out a programme of intervention and support to put local people in the best possible position to get access to the jobs and training opportunities that are starting to emerge from the Club’s new stadium scheme, the first step in the regeneration of Tottenham.

Through our award-winning Foundation, the Club is supporting this latest pilot in Haringey through innovative community development programmes such as E18HTEEN and OnSide, that use the unique appeal of Premier League football to create life-changing opportunities.

The Club Ambassador and Secretary of State met some young people who have gained apprenticeships through our employability programmes.

Ledley said:

“Tottenham Hotspur and its Foundation have a great track record in supporting local people into education, employment and training.

“I have seen first-hand the great work that the Club is doing to get local people employed through its new stadium scheme and am personally proud to be involved in that.

“It’s great that our work with Jobcentre Plus has the backing of the Government and will no doubt continue to a make a difference in the lives of many.”

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Iain Duncan Smith said:

“All young people should grow up believing that they will have the opportunity to have a fulfilling career.

"Government's role is to ensure they have the skills and the support they need to fulfill their aspirations. But businesses have a valuable role to play too - by opening their doors and giving young people a chance.

"Over the past decade the employment gap has narrowed, but we know more needs to be done.

"I'm really pleased to be launching this project today and I would encourage any local employer who thinks they can support the young people in their area get into work to get involved.”

Tottenham Hotspur Football club are partnering with Tottenham JCP as one of four pilots being run with local employers across London over the next six months. Other pilots are being run in Lambeth, Brent and Hackney, where the results will be tracked and compared with a comparison group, and best practice will be used in jobcentres in other parts of the country.