Minister for the West Midlands, Ian Austin, visited Birmingham to promote the Backing Young Britain campaign, which aims to improve job opportunities for young people in the country.
He was joined by Tim Campbell, winner of TV show The Apprentice and founder of the Bright Ideas Trust, Barrie Williams, chairman of Business Voice West Midlands and John Hammond, of Jobcentre Plus.
At the event, at Cineworld, on Broad Street, Mr Austin explained that the Backing Young Britain campaign was designed to bring national and local Government, businesses and the public and voluntary sectors together to create new opportunities for young people aged 16-24.
"Young people can help bring fresh ideas, skills and enthusiasm to any organisation," he said. “In previous recessions no extra help was provided and thousands of young people were left without jobs, skills and hope for the future. We're determined that won't happen this time.
"Most young people are keen to work - they just need that first break to show what they can do.”
• For more information, visit www.hmg.gov.uk/backingyoungbritain
