A campaign to generate 500 apprenticeship opportunties in Suffolk has been joined by a Woodbridge-based charity which aims to train and develop the young leaders of tomorrow.

Just42 is the only open access youth provider in 200 square miles of rural Suffolk and in 2015 came into contact with around 2,500 different children and young people.

Through its work, the charity builds relationships with children and young people over a number of years through different projects, building their build confidence and self-esteem, improving their employability while also benefiting the community and reducing crime and anti-social behaviour.

It has now committed itself to taking on a new apprentice, in response to the Suffolk 500 which is being managed by the Apprenticeships Suffolk Business Service (ASBS) and delivered in partnership with TCHC and Suffolk Chamber of Commerce on behalf of Suffolk County Council.

“It is great to welcome Just 42 on board our Suffolk 500 campaign, where we endeavour to offer each and every employer continuous support to ensure that the Apprenticeship scheme runs smoothly,” said Lorraine Gimson, head of ASBS.

“Our aim is to promote all age apprenticeships to Suffolk employers, highlighting why supporting an apprenticeship is easier than businesses may think, and to celebrate the range of apprenticeships available in different sectors.

“We are also encouraging employers to consider putting existing staff through an Apprenticeship program that will enhance their workplace skills and grow their people to meet their business plans.”

Caroline Rutherford, charity manager at Just 42, a faith-based initiative that was founded in 2002, said: “We believe in making a real positive impact on young people. That is why we do what we do and that is why we want to bring on an apprentice to gain real experience working with our team making a real difference to other people’s lives.”

The work of Just 42 includes a mobile youth club that visits Suffolk villages, youth clubs held in village halls and mentoring and sports coaching across the county. The charity sees 2,000 young people every year and runs up to 22 projects at a time during school term time.

“Our new apprentice will be a session worker which means they’ll working on a real project with our charity, gaining real experience which will stand them in strong foundations moving forward in their careers,” added Caroline. “We are very much looking forward to welcoming them on board.”

Just 42 aims to make a positive impact on the lives of young people and children in rural Suffolk and deliver innovative, high quality and professional youth and children’s work to facilitate the social, emotional, physical and spiritual development of young people and children. To find out more about Just 42, its clubs and activities, visit www.just42.org.uk .