Thousands of young jobseekers in Wolverhampton and Norwich are to get a boost to help them into work, thanks to the launch of a free training programme in both cities today.

The award-winning Spear Programme has been running for two decades at centres across the UK, and more than 12,000 young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) have enrolled to date. 

Now a new centre in Wolverhampton and another in Norwich have welcomed their first group of trainees.  

The youth employment charity Spear has partnered with local churches to deliver the programme to local people aged 16-24. Young people pay nothing to attend and will receive coaching to get the mindset and skills they need to get a job and thrive in it. 

Chika Vincent, Centre Manager at Spear Wolverhampton, said: “There's never been a more critical time to bring Spear to the West Midlands.  Youth unemployment rates in parts of Wolverhampton are running at double the national average.  

"Many young people need support to bridge the gap between where they are and where employers need them to be. Schools do so much but they don't prepare young people for the transition into work. At Spear, we use coaching to bridge that gap so young people have the skills and mindset they need to be able to get into work and thrive there." 

Tatum Reid, Centre Manager at Spear Norwich, said: “Young people in Norwich are facing a tough job market. Unemployment in the city is higher than the average for the East of England. 

"Employers have warned that too many young people in Norfolk are entering work without the confidence and behaviours that businesses need. And for those living outside the city, patchy public transport can make reaching jobs and training even harder. 

“The Spear Programme has been transforming lives for 20 years through tailored coaching that challenges young people to shift their mindset, as well as learn important skills like professional behaviour, being mindful of your colleagues and even small talk.  

"We coach people in small groups and individually – everything is tailored to them. And we know it works." 

 The Spear Programme has been benchmarked by the Department for Work and Pensions and found to be highly effective; over 70% of those who complete Spear get into work or education and are still there a year later. 

Spear focuses on supporting those who have barriers to work, such as few or no GCSEs, or mental health challenges. 

Spear trainee Becca, who did the programme earlier this year in Preston, says: "I had been dealing with a lot of anxiety, and I would find it difficult to leave the house...I had to leave college because of this, and it made me feel like I had failed. My work coach at the Jobcentre had told me about Spear and that it would help improve my confidence. And I really think that it did. 

"I've learned so much in communicating with people with more confidence.. and also I've increased my motivation." 

Becca went on to secure a role in facilities management. 

Around 1 in 8 young people in the UK are not in work or education currently, according to government figures.  Earlier this year, the total topped 1 million for the first time since 2013. A government-commissioned review led by Alan Milburn into the high numbers of NEET young people is due to report in the next few weeks. 

Those who sign up for the programme at Spear Norwich will get four weeks of intensive employment coaching, focusing on practical skills such as preparing for interviews and writing a CV. They will also get coaching to transform their mindset and attitude.  This is followed by a further six months of personalised support.  

Spear Wolverhampton and Spear Norwich will each run six programmes a year. 

Young people can apply directly to the Spear Programme at joinspear.org. Around half of the young people at Spear's 20 centres are referred by Jobcentres. Social workers also refer young people. 

Local businesses can get involved in the programme by volunteering to give mock interviews to trainees, or hosting a company visit, for example.

Spear delivers its expert coaching to unemployed young people through local church partners across the UK.  Young people of any faith or none are welcome.