A campaign to help young people in Hounslow prepare for the world of work was launched on Wednesday (September 30).

Education and employment charity Believe in Young People (BiYP) has teamed up with 17 more schools in the borough to act as a bridge between schools and its employer partners who have more than 1,300 one-week work experience placements available across London.

The charity has previously worked with 11 to 18-year-olds in four Hounslow schools including Brentford School for Girls, Lampton School, The Green School and The Heathland School, helping students develop the right skills and behaviours for the workplace.

Bethany White, of The Green School in Isleworth, who completed a work experience placement with Premier Inn, said: "We often have to work together on projects and coursework so teamwork, punctuality and being organised are important.

"It’s clear to me that if you can work together as a team you can produce great results.

“I think it’s vital that companies such as Whitbread continue to work with young people through schemes such as Believe in Young People.

"It offers young people like myself the chance to get an idea of a true working environment, as well as giving us skills that we can use in our working life now and in the future.”

The charity hopes to prevent young people joining the 8,000 currently unemployed in Hounslow.

Its employer partners including Costa, Hilton Worldwide, Premier Inn, Babylon, Jurys Inn, and Mitchells & Butlers who, through their local sites, are committed to growing future talent.

BiYP chief executive Tanja Kuveljic said: “Our programme gives young people the best possible opportunity to be employed in a suitable role which will maximise their potential and ultimately reduce youth unemployment.

“Our approach has been to simplify and join up best practice between local employers and schools while focusing on the learner at all times.

"Now we want to do more and ensure that the supply of work-ready young talent does meet demand at both a local and national level."

To find out more call 01908 695560 or visit BIYP.