YOUNG people in Bracknell are encouraged to take part in a national youth programme to ensure they get the skills needed to secure a job.

The Reach Up programme which launched on November 4, will see 15 youngsters take part in the initiative where they will be given skills to help prepare them for employment.

Following a successful pilot last year, the programme is being rolled out nationwide and will be delivered in partnership with Advisa to help local people in the area.

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Workshops will be delivered as part of the Reach Up programme, along with networking masterclasses, mock interviews and work experience.

Over half of 16-25-year-olds (55 per cent) believe anxiety is one of the biggest barriers to securing work, despite record levels of employment.

A third of this age group said they had experienced anxiety and depression when job hunting and it had hindered their search.

However, almost 30 per cent confirmed they found a job in less than one month after leaving education.

Patrick Shaw-Brown, director of national programmes at UK Youth, said: "We hear a great deal about mental health issues in the workplace, but it’s equally important to shine a light on the impact anxiety has when seeking employment.

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"This research demonstrates the mounting challenges young people face when it comes to securing meaningful employment. The transition into employment is undoubtedly a tough experience for many young people, bringing with it challenges and responsibilities they may not be aware of, or equipped to cope with."