"Many young people in West Lancashire will be relieved that summer is here. For them, it means fun, time with friends and temporary freedom. But for too many, it means anxiety, stress and uncertainty around their future.
The recently published Milburn Report on Young People and Work confirmed the scale of the challenge facing young people across the country.
Labour inherited a situation in which nearly a million young people were not in education, employment or training (NEET). We also know that young people are more likely to be NEET if they live in the north of England.
That's why this Labour government has invested funding so that West Lancashire can benefit from a Youth Hub, supporting local young people with education, training and employment. Attendees can receive direct face to face guidance from Jobcentre Plus work coaches and local partners and employers.
Labour recognises that tackling youth inactivity requires a holistic approach to support, which is why the hub will be integrated with other local services such as health, housing and wellbeing.
I'm excited about the doors this will open for young people in West Lancashire, and the difference this will make to their futures.
This comes alongside a range of measures Labour has put into place to support young people, including £3,000 grants for eligible businesses that hire eligible young people.
Labour's Jobs Guarantee provides a fully funded six month paid job to eligible young people and is being extended to support a wider age range, creating more than 35,000 extra subsidised jobs.
The sectors in this scheme include construction, health and social care and hospitality – sectors that West Lancashire could not function without.
Meeting a group of bright apprentices at NSG Group in Lathom and an enthusiastic young man at Essity in Skelmersdale gave me an insight into the impact of apprenticeship schemes.
I heard them speak highly of how much they gained from their apprenticeships, including achieving a degree without any debt facing them at the end.
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They told me how much they valued the practical, hands-on experience of working alongside studying and I saw how valued they were by their employers.
Labour's Apprenticeship Incentive, which provides £2,000 for each 16-24-year-old recruited by a small or medium-sized enterprise, businesses across our area are going to feel the impact of this.
I know, and this Labour government knows, that we have a huge hill to climb. But we're making the necessary changes, investing in our communities and backing the young people of West Lancashire so they can build the bright futures they deserve.”
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