THE future of a scheme aimed at boosting learning opportunities for young people in York and Selby has been secured with the announcement of £850,000 of government funding.

The funds will be targeted at 18 to 21-year-olds who have not achieved GCSEs or A-levels, but who have the ability to obtain qualifications through a different method, such as work-based learning.

The Learning and Skills Council North Yorkshire (LSC) is managing the initiative.

LSC senior operations manager Anthony Knowles said: "This initiative is designed to improve the retention and success rates of young people in danger of dropping out of education.

"We want to encourage young people to continue learning, to enhance their future career prospects and earning potential."

Young people are encouraged to undertake a variety of learning programmes such as NVQs and Modern Apprenticeships, receiving extra support from personal advisers to ensure the programme they select fits their needs.

The LSC is also working with Business Link and learning providers to boost employers' understanding of the benefits of training young employees.

Mr Knowles said: "Many employers would like a better-trained workforce, but fear the cost of training.

"The beauty of this scheme is that it does not involve any actual outlay, and in some cases there may even be incentives available to companies placing young people on training courses."

Rebecca Haswell, 20, from York, is one individual who is benefiting from the scheme.

Following a return to education last year, Rebecca is now studying for an NVQ Level 2 in Hospitality and Catering.

She attends college one day a week and works full-time at Russells Restaurant, in York.

She said: "While I liked the independence and money that came with a full-time job, I felt that I wasn't really getting anywhere without qualifications.

"I couldn't afford to go to college full-time, so work-based training was the perfect solution."

Simon Rhodes, head chef at Russells Restaurant, said: "In my experience, the students are always good workers and keen to learn."

If you are aged between 17 and 21 and would like more information about the scheme, contact 0800 3899 348.

Businesses who would like to find out more about training young employees can call Business Link on 01904 686000.

Updated: 08:41 Thursday, September 05, 2002