A new guidance programme has launched with the promise of kick-starting careers for young people in Norwich.

Talent Match aims to identify the strengths and skills of 18 to 24-year-olds unemployed for more than 12 months, and help them into employment, education and training.

The programme has been funded by the Big Lottery and is being run in Norwich by the charity Voluntary Norfolk, who will works with young people one-to-one basis to identify their talents and help them overcome the barriers keeping them from employment or training.

Voluntary Norfolk will work with young people who feel alienated from the labour market, and link up with local employers to make their vacancies more user-friendly to young people – and improve success rates.

Leila Calton, Talent Match youth advocate for Norwich, said: 'Talent Match doesn't work with large groups or assume that everyone's circumstances are the same, but offers face-to-face support on an individual basis. We can provide advice on a range of options, including help finding training and work experience placements on the route to employment.'

She said the scheme, for which the Prince's Trust is the lead partner, would also support participants in employment, and make the most of Norwich's 'untapped talent'.

Norwich North MP Chloe Smith, who is leading the Norwich for Jobs scheme which aims to halve youth unemployment in the city by next year, has also backed the scheme.

She said: 'Talent Match is an exciting new scheme for Norwich, which brings lottery funding to bear on an important need.

'The success of Norwich for Jobs – which has got local firms to pledge nearly 900 jobs and apprenticeship places so far for young people – shows that there are jobs out there and that our community cares.'

To find out more, call 01603 883837 or email talent@voluntarynorfolk.org.uk

Has Talent Match helped you already? Email mark.shields@archant.co.uk