Last week, I wrote to more than 590 employers across the Forest of Dean to launch a new campaign: Opportunity Works.

I have spent a lot of time talking to businesses across the constituency about the challenges they face. One thing I hear again and again is how difficult it can be to find the right people, with the right skills, at the right time.

At the same time, young people across the Forest of Dean are looking for that first chance. They want to work, learn, build their skills and get on, but sometimes finding that first opportunity can be the hardest part.

I think we can do more to bring those two things together.

We have a NEET (not in education, employment or training) crisis across the country, and I am committed to improving it here in the Forest.

Through Opportunity Works, I want to build stronger links between local businesses and young people, while bringing together the organisations that can help make those connections happen – including Jobcentre Plus, our colleges, training providers and other local organisations.

There are already some really useful opportunities available to businesses. The Government’s Youth Jobs Grant, for example, can provide eligible employers with up to £3,000 when they take on an eligible young person aged 18 to 24 who has been out of work for six months or more.

For some businesses, that financial support could make a real difference, helping them take on a young person, give them experience, and help them develop the skills they need.

I also want employers to know about the wider support available, whether that is help from Jobcentre Plus, links with colleges and training providers, or ways to find young people who could become their next employees.

For a young person, opportunities need to be available, and they need to feel supported to make the most of them. That could be work experience, an apprenticeship, training or a first job. These can make an enormous difference to a young person’s confidence and future, while giving businesses the chance to help develop the skilled workforce they need for the future.

I will be writing to more businesses in the weeks ahead and want to hear about the challenges you face.

If you run a business in the Forest of Dean and are struggling to recruit, have skills gaps, are considering taking on an apprentice or young person, or could offer work experience, please do get in touch.

I want Opportunity Works to become a practical, impactful initiative that helps NEET young people access meaningful opportunities that benefit them, local employers and the wider community.

That means doing more to rear, raise, and nurture local young talent, helping people develop the skills, experience, and confidence they need, while giving employers the chance to build the skilled workforce they will need in the years ahead.

If you would like to be part of it, please do get in touch. I would really like to hear from you.