YOUNG people most at risk of becoming disengaged will get help to fulfil their potential, thanks to a government grant.

The Careers & Enterprise Company is giving grants to ensure youngsters from the most deprived areas of the country have a chance to thrive in education, it has been announced today.

One of the grants is being given to Ansbury Dorset, a careers and employment charity which works with young people across the county.

The fund will focus on students who are about to begin their GCSEs but risk under achieving and falling behind their peers.

This can impact on their future earning potential and career later in life.

In total, 39 mentoring organisations have secured funds following a competitive bid process to scale up tried and tested employer mentoring programmes.

Ansbury has been awarded £30,816.

The investment is part of a wider first tranche of a £12million fund administered by the company which aims to boost social mobility by creating a new generation of mentors from the business community.

It is part of the government’s broader commitment to level up opportunities and create a country that works for everyone.

Apprenticeships and Skills Minister Robert Halfon said: “We want a country that works for everyone, not just the privileged few. A good mentor can be instrumental in unlocking a young person’s potential and these grants will help more young people benefit from that, ensuring they are climbing the ladder of opportunity and that there is no limit on their ambition.

“Mentoring helps improve focus and attainment, raises aspirations and provides valuable support – especially for those who are underachieving or at risk of dropping out of education.”

Claudia Harris, CEO of The Careers & Enterprise Company, said: “Too many young people across England are at risk of not achieving their full potential. This can have a lasting impact on their future and career later in life.

“Employer mentoring is a powerful way to address this issue by helping young people get inspired about the world of work.

“Our fund will work to unlock this inspiration by scaling up proven mentoring programmes to help boost social mobility and give young people great life changing experiences.

“I would encourage anyone who wants to get involved in mentoring to step forward and join this mentoring movement and make a real difference to the lives of young people in their local community.”

The next round of investment from its careers and enterprise fund is now open for applications. The Company will invest more than £5million to support pupils in secondary schools and colleges most in need.  For more information on the Company’s mentoring campaign visit www.careersandenterprise.co.uk/mentoring