Gathering celebrates success of Thanet Works
Young people who have started jobs through the Thanet Works project came together to talk about their roles with a Government minister.
More than 30 people aged 18 to 24 have found work through the initiative, which is financed through the Future Jobs Fund.
In total, 119 jobs are to be created for long-term unemployed people on the isle. Thanet's bid for the money was approved last year and will help ease unemployment in the district.
Some of those who have started work met Employment Minister Jim Knight at the Margate Media Centre.
Among those to have benefited is Pie Factory music. It has taken on people such as Stefan White, 19, from Broadstairs.
Pie Factory operations manager Mike Fagg said: "It's given us the chance to take on three full-time staff, which helped fill a gap we've had for a while.
"It's helping us build a good young team and been a good opportunity for us."
Mr Knight said: "The Future Jobs Fund is a scheme funded by more than £1 billion and creates 170,000 jobs nationally.
"I was pleased to see how the money has been spent here and how Thanet Works has been able to spend the £4 million they were given via their Working Neighbourhoods Fund.
"It's a simple scheme which enables young people to have a job - which is what they want.
"One of the things you hear from young people as a politician is that there isn't enough things for them to do, so meeting people from places like the Pie Factory - which engages with them using music - is of real benefit."
Thanet council deputy leader Roger Latchford told Yourthanet: "Thanet Works is a brilliant scheme.
"It's refreshing to see so many young people being given an opportunity to get something on their CVs. This gives them the chance to get their foot on the ladder toward a career.
"It's great to see young people displaying a great attitude and doing their upmost to better themselves."
Source: Kent News
