Warrington North MP Charlotte Nichols recently joined students at Padgate Academy to discuss the foundations of democracy, what laws and rights are, the concepts of fairness and justice, as well as personal and civic responsibility.
The assembly was well attended and following the talk from Charlotte students were given the opportunity to take part in a question-and-answer session with their local MP. Questions ranged from the day-to-day duties of an MP, to work-life balance and the what the future holds for young people.
Charlotte Nichols MP said: “It was a pleasure as always to join students at Padgate Academy for their Assembly on Democracy. The students were exceptionally well behaved and were not afraid of voicing their thoughts and questions”.
“Many Young People are concerned that the support I and others of my generation took for granted will not be there for them when they leave secondary school. This is why Labour is honouring our Manifesto Pledge of delivering the Youth Guarantee to ensure that Education, Training or work will always follow leaving school and equip the next generation with the skills for life and work”.
“I have offered further engagement with any students that would like to learn more about the type of work I do as an MP or even just share their perspectives. I look forward to continuing working alongside Padgate Academy and its students”.
The visit follows the Labour Government’s announcement of the Youth Guarantee which was announced late last year, designed to provide opportunities for training, apprenticeships and help finding work for all young people aged 18 – 21 and prevent young people being excluded from the world of work at a young age or NEET (Not in Education or Training).
This initiative builds upon existing employment support and sector-based work academies currently being delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions. The scheme forms part of the government’s aim to provide targeted support for young people at risk of long-term unemployment.
The Youth Guarantee will include a targeted backstop, where every eligible unemployed young person on Universal Credit for 18 months without earning or learning will be provided guaranteed paid work. Participants of the scheme will receive support to take advantage of available opportunities, with the aim of helping them transition into regular employment.
