YOUNG people in Essex will be able to receive specialist help with gaining a Level 2 qualification in English and Maths.

The new initiative is being launched by the Essex Year of Opportunity with training providers Get Further and Clarion Futures, the charitable foundation of Clarion Housing Group.

Get Further will be running courses across Essex while Clarion Futures will be running courses in Tendring to upskill and help drive social mobility.

The Functional Skills Level 2 Tuition Programme will be on offer for 16 to 19-year-olds who are not in education, employment or training (NEET), or at risk of becoming NEET.

The course will provide valuable support to build their English and Maths skills. By focusing on this group, the training aims to give young people the tools to re-engage with learning while opening doors to future opportunities.

Councillor Tony Ball, Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Lifelong Learning and Employability at Essex County Council, explained: “It is vital our young people are given every opportunity to succeed. These courses are targeted at those aged 16 to 19 who aren’t currently at college or in employment.

“Everyone needs good literacy and numeracy skills to get on, whether at college or in the workplace. We need to help these young people get the necessary skills to support their prospects.”

Victoria Whittle, Head of Jobs and Training at Clarion Futures, said: “Qualifications in Maths and English are a cornerstone of the UK’s skills and social mobility agenda, equipping people with the essential literacy and numeracy needed to succeed in employment, further education and everyday life. That’s why we’re proud to be part of this initiative which aims to upskill local people to provide opportunities and support the wider economy.”

The programme will run over three months, with learners attending four hours of tuition each week at accessible community-based settings, such as youth hubs. The courses will be run in small group or one-to-one sessions, creating a safe space for learners to ask questions, build confidence and engage.

Some young people, supported by Clarion Futures, have already achieved a qualification and are now looking at their next steps. One learner, Graham, attended a Clarion Futures course. He said: “Your English and Maths courses have been of great help in my personal future goals and have made me overall much more confident and happier with these subjects.”

Gaining English and Maths qualifications allow individuals to pursue further studies, apprenticeships and unlock new career paths. Employers value strong literacy and numeracy skills and can make a huge difference when it comes to career progression. Passing English and Maths are also essential for many in-demand jobs, such as health and social care, nursing and early years.

Residents can email [email protected] to sign up and be supported onto a functional skills course.