A SCHEME which aims to address youth unemployment in Wirral has been given a funding boost.

The cash, from UBS Optimus Foundation UK, will help Hive Youth Zone's 'Get A Job' programme.

The 10-week course focuses on preparing young people aged between 16 and 24 who are Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET) or at high risk of becoming NEET, for the world of work.

It will offer a range of workshop sessions including CV and cover letter writing, and mock interviews.

Young people will also take part in a three-day residential in North Wales to work on teamwork, leadership, communication and problem solving skills.

Many participants will have the chance to take part in a two-week work placement at the end of the course and The Hive Youth Zone is calling for additional local businesses to get involved.

Since being introduced in 2017, the Get a Job initiative has seen 94 per cent of participants successfully progress into employment, education or training.

Steve Fogg, Hive enterprise and employability coordinator said: "We are extremely grateful to the UBS Optimus Foundation for funding the Get a Job programme.

"It will provide young people with the chance to gain valuable experience and skills that they will use for the rest of their lives".

He added: "We currently have a very supportive network of partners who assist in career talks, site visits, mock interviews and placements.

"In order to offer a completely person centred approach to work experience we're keen to hear from local organisations that would be interested in offering work placements in a variety of industries or additional support."

Anthony Donatelli, head of philanthropy services from UBS Optimus Foundation UK, said: "We are delighted to be partnering with The Hive on such a fantastic project.

"We're really looking forward to seeing the great impact the Get a Job programme has on the young people of Wirral."

The Hive Youth Zone is part of national charity for young people OnSide Youth Zones, which has 13 state-of-the-art centres across the country.

The Hive gives 8-19 year olds, or those aged up to 25 with a disability, easy and affordable access to a broad range of sport, arts, health and employability services designed to raise aspirations, enhance prospects and improve the health and wellbeing of young people.