Hastings Youth Council met with the Permanent Secretary, Jonathan Slater, head of the Department for Education and chief policy adviser to the Secretary of State and the ministerial team on Thursday 14th September.
The young people spoke about the challenges and issues that young people face in Hastings to higher education and employment.
Jonathon Slater commented on his visit. “It was great to hear about the work employers, schools, East Sussex County Council and the Carer’s and Enterprise Company (CEC) are doing in partnership to connect young people with job opportunities in Hastings. It was a pleasure to hear from some of those young people – members of the Hastings Youth Council shared some great thoughts, and I’m inspired to hear from such an articulate, insightful and clearly talented group of young people.
Brandon, Hastings Youth Council member said, “Today was a great opportunity to get my voice heard by important organisations rather than just my mum. I am a young man from Hastings and belong to Hasting Youth Council. I never thought I would be able to talk about my future; I’m not the best academically but can learn if it’s hands on. I really want to be a chippy. Hopefully next year I can do an apprenticeship as a chippy.”
Cllr Kim Forward, deputy leader and lead member for Regeneration and Culture at Hastings Borough Council said that, “Hastings Youth Council has shown again their commitment to be heard at the highest level and speak up for the young people in our town. Higher education and jobs are very important issues and need addressing to help our young people. Hastings Borough Council is fully committed to helping young people in our town.”
