Giving every young person in High Peak the best start in life

Across High Peak this week, thousands of young people are finding out their GCSE results and starting to make some big decisions about what comes next.

For some, that means heading to sixth form. For others, it might be college, an apprenticeship, further training or starting work. Whatever route they choose, these decisions can feel like the beginning of something very exciting, but they can also be daunting.

As nearly everyone in High Peak knows one of my top priorities is making sure every young person in High Peak has the opportunity to get on and fulfil their potential.

That means removing the barriers so many face. One of the first campaigns I led, and one I am proud of, was to deliver free bus travel for young people in High Peak going to college in Greater Manchester. For far too long our young people had been struggling to pay travel costs sitting next to kids from Greater Manchester who were paying nothing.

This one change saved families hundreds of pounds a year and meant young people could decide what courses and careers to pursue without the cost holding them back.

From September, there will be another boost for young people travelling further afield, with Andy Burnham’s government extending the 16-17 Railcard to be valid for a full year from the purchase date and will not expire when the holder turns 18, giving eligible students half-price rail fares.

For a constituency like ours in High Peak, with many young people travelling by train to education, training, work and apprenticeships, this could make a significant difference.

We need to make sure young people can take advantage of opportunities across our region without the cost of transport becoming a barrier.

But giving young people the best start in life isn’t just about transport.

It is also about giving them the skills, experience and confidence they need to take their next steps.

That is why I am proud of the work we are doing through my High Peak Careers, Skills and Jobs Fair. On Friday 25th September I will hold my fourth Careers, Skills and Jobs Fair at Glossop Cricket Club. Bringing employers, colleges and training providers together to give people the chance to discover new training and careers opportunities.

One of the other biggest barriers to young people getting on is the lack of availability for work experience. I’ve been working on that to. Leading from the front by offering work experience in my office and encouraging more local businesses and organisations to provide opportunities for young people.

Having the chance to spend time in a workplace, learn from experienced colleagues and understand what a job is really like can be invaluable.

I want every young person in High Peak to have the freedom to choose their own future. Whether that is university, an apprenticeship, further education or going straight into work.

That is why I will keep campaigning for better transport, more local opportunities, and stronger links between our schools, colleges and employers.