January 2016 saw the second birthday of Talent Match, a Suffolk youth employment project, which has placed over 60 young people in employment.

To mark the occasion, the project held a fun-filled evening in the Sir Bobby Robson Suite at Ipswich Town Football Club on 22 January 2016. Over 60 people joined in the celebrations, including both young people and employers who gave presentations, talking about the successes they have all had with Talent Match over the last two years.

Talent Match is a five year project based in Ipswich and Lowestoft, funded by The Big Lottery Fund, working with 18-24 year olds who have been NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) for 12 months or more across Suffolk. Young people are offered bespoke support, one-to-one coaching, funding and support for training and travel and work experience.

In its two years, Talent Match has worked directly with 232 young people, with 63 of them have found employment. In addition,  95 work experience placements and 26 subsidised employment placements have been secured (co-funded by Talent Match and local employers), along with supporting ten young people back into full-time education.

These successes would not be possible without the help and support provided through partnership working. Talent Match has linked with many organisations, service providers and employers across Suffolk such as Suffolk County Council, MyGo, Kier Services and Waveney Norse.

Celebrations also took place at the Kirkley Centre in Lowestoft on 29 January 2016, with MP Peter Aldous and Bruce Proven, Chairman of Waveney District Council, both in attendance. Young people gave heart-felt speeches to those who attended, sharing their experiences and the impact that Talent Match has made on their lives.

Jamie, a young person who has benefitted from the project, said:

“I feel privileged to work with Kier and to have had help from Talent Match.  Everyone at Talent Match is inviting and will help you.  I have met some good people; it has been a very positive experience, thank you”.

Peter Ingrim from Kier Construction also speak highly of the project:

“Work between Kier and Talent Match has been very successful in identifying a good candidate.  We hope to continue the partnership to potentially provide employment opportunities for young people supported by Talent Match in the future.”

Talent Match now looks forward to the next three years of the project. If you are a local business, or know a young person in Ipswich and Lowestoft who could benefit from the scheme, visit www.communityactionsuffolk.org.uk and search “Talent Match” or call 01473 345400.

Talent Match
If you are aged 18 – 24, live in Ipswich or Waveney and have been out of work for over 12 months, then Talent Match can help. Talent Match is a free service for motivated young people which is completely voluntary to attend. We believe that everyone should be encouraged to pursue their dreams and aspirations. If you want it badly enough, you should not let anything stand in your way. We are here to support you on a one-to-one basis to help you achieve your goals. We tailor sessions to your needs and will work out an individual plan to help you to gain the skills and experience to move into work.

Community Action Suffolk (CAS) offers help and support services to voluntary and community groups in Suffolk. We provide bespoke services and products that are relevant, accessible and designed to meet the needs and expectations of individuals and community groups. We make sure the voluntary and community sector has easy access to networks, information, tools and resources, so they can operate successfully.
www.communityactionsuffolk.org.uk

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