Sixty Nottingham school leavers have joined Nottingham City Council’s Tap the Gap work experience scheme this summer - the largest number so far.

The teenagers have just completed their first week at the City Council, on two to four week placements ranging from helping in play schemes, play groups and sports development to legal services.

Nottingham City Council devised Tap the Gap in 2000 to help high achieving teenagers from ethnic minorities bridge the gap between school and work. The initial pilot project offered work experience to 12 school leavers before they looked for a job or began further education. The successful applicants are selected by their school because of their achievements at school and in their community. They are paid an allowance of £30 per week to cover their travel costs and lunch.

Councillor Eunice Campbell, Nottingham City Council’s Portfolio holder for Human Resources, Customer Service and Consultation, said: “The young people give up part of their summer holidays to volunteer for the scheme, but in return they get a real taste of a work environment and an opportunity to enhance their skills in preparation for employment.

"It’s all part of the Council’s strategy to improve skills in the City. The experience they get should boost their job prospects and also gives them a greater awareness of the work of the City Council and its involvement with the local community. It could encourage them to consider further education courses in subjects related to their work on the scheme and to consider the Council as a future employer.”