A NEW group has been formed to tackle the lack of training and employment opportunities for young people in Bridport.

A number of organisations and individuals had expressed concern about the dearth of opportunities for youngsters so now they are going to do something about it.

A News' article focused on a new programme based at Bridport's Youth and Community Centre for young people not in education, employment or training.

West Dorset's senior youth worker, Arthur Woodgate, said: "The article also highlighted the fact that there were very few jobs for young people to move on to and no real clarity of information regarding what employment and training opportunities actually exist."

Representatives from Connexions Service, youth service workers, Bridport Town Council and the Bridport Local Area Partnership, all of whom had identified the same problems, agreed to work together towards a symposium that would identify what opportunities there are, and indicate potential further developments - and how to support them.

Town councillors Charles Wild, Ros Kayes and Richard Nicholls, together with Connexions' Catherine Hodge and youth workers Keith Hatch and Arthur Woodgate, were joined by Sue Gettings of Yeovil College, Jean Wicks of the Brit Valley Rotary Club, and Laura Watkins of Shadows, for the group's first meeting this week.

Mr Woodgate said: "I think it's fair to say that there was some slight bemusement that the majority of us had never heard of the Bridport Skills Centre Steering Group.

"This intensified somewhat when we learned that the town council had not been invited to join this group. We understand that their feasibility report, begun in September, 2005, is now almost ready for publication, and we look forward with interest to seeing what it has to say. Obviously we shall be more than happy to work with anyone who shares common goals."

The Bridport-based group - yet to name itself - is considering a number of options, including: l Analysing what the employment needs are likely to be over the next ten years, including linking some training to the South West Quadrant development. The publication by West Dorset District Council will help with this.

l Liasing with the business sector. Support has already been pledged from some employers.

l Considering case studies of young people who have struggled to find training and employment, but who have somehow made it. Yeovil College are able to provide these relating to local young people.

l Appealing to retired people to come forward and bring their experience to the support of the young. The Older People's Forum has expressed an interest in joint projects with the Youth Service, and this is a further possibility.

l Surveying the aspirations and ideas of local school students. Strong and creative links exist between local schools and the Connexions and Youth and Community Services.

Mr Woodgate added: "The article in the News brought a number of positive responses. I learned of three new training and employment initiatives I had no idea existed, and was very interested to learn of at least two innovative approaches towards providing greater opportunities for young people.

"We would be delighted to hear from anyone regarding an issue which is, as much as anything, about the future of our community."

Anyone who would like to learn more or an contribute anything should phone 01308 422500.