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Chambers of Commerce to host 250 careers events

A new initiative is hoping to boost the careers advice and guidance on offer to young people across England by putting them in direct contact with local businesses.

It is being organised by the British Chambers of Commerce in a bid to reach thousands of young people.

The British Chambers of Commerce is to use its local Chambers network, which covers the whole of the country, to run 250 career events, bringing together pupils, businesses, schools, colleges and training providers.

The Your Future programme of events is being supported by the Skills Funding Agency and hopes to reach 70,000 young people.

The programme, which will be managed by St Helens Chamber of Commerce, is to launch at the end of this month and will run until March 2016.

John Longworth, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: "If young people are to make good decisions about their future career options, they need access to relevant, complete, and engaging information – and to the real business people that make these options come to life.

"Otherwise, the gap between young people and business will continue, as too many learners study and train in areas where there is little demand for new employees.

"By connecting the employees of tomorrow with local businesses, we are helping each to improve their understanding of the other. That means young people will be better able to prepare for the careers they want – whether that is through an Apprenticeship, further training or higher education – and businesses will have the chance to meet the talent they need to thrive and grow."

For further information on the programme, contact Debbie Brown, director of training and HR at St Helens Chamber via debbie.brown@sthelenschamber.com