A NEW youth recruitment initiative has launched in Bournemouth with the aim of encouraging hundreds of youngsters into traineeships and apprenticeships.

Smart training and recruitment is currently on the hunt for talented 16- to 24-year-olds in Dorset to help improve their employability and boost participation.

Traineeship co-ordinator Terry Humphries said: “We don’t want young people to fall into the cracks because not everyone can afford to go to university, so we are offering a number of different options.

“We are there to offer advice, opportunities and training from a wide range of professionals.”

Numerous employers from different sectors ranging from hospitals to small businesses throughout Dorset will be providing places for youngsters to enter the workforce.

Maths tutor for Smart, Graham Curtis said: “This will benefit both the employers and the young people, as there is no cost to employers and they will be given a workforce which they can mould and nurture.”

The Smart team from the new Bournemouth centre will be visiting the Dolphin Centre in Poole on Friday August 30 to promote the new programme.

They are collaborating with Bournemouth YMCA, BCHA and a number of youth groups in the area to attract people from a diverse range of backgrounds. The Smart choice pre-traineeships are aimed at 16 to 18-year-olds and the course helps with CV writing, ICT and interview skills.

Small classes of around 12 to 15 youngsters, ensures everyone receives optimum training and individual attention.

Traineeships are available for 16 to 24-year-olds and these involve 17 to 24 hours a week of work experience placements in a range of industry sectors.

n For more information visit: www.smarttar.co.uk/