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Part of the programme will see 1,500 young people who have been unemployed for more than three months allocated a personalised caseworker. The City Deal partners are now tendering for organisations to operate the overall management of this element of Youth Deal, and for caseworkers to deliver the project in each locality. 

Bidders for management of the personalised caseworker project will need to demonstrate extensive knowledge of the jobs and training market in the South West, as well as the ability to work well with young people. The data they collect during the project will also help shape future regional and national initiatives. 

Those interested in applying to manage the two-year programme are invited to attend an information event on: 

With regard to the on-the-ground caseworker service in each locality, City Deal partners anticipate this would be best carried out by a number of smaller grass roots and community-led organisations with skilled staff and volunteers already engaging with young people in target areas within Devon, Cornwall and Somerset. Organisations interested in this aspect of the project can find out more at regional information events taking place on: 

Anyone interested in attending one of the information events should email [email protected] to book a place. 

Councillor Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council said: “All the City Deal partners are committed to change and investing extensively in the South West to drive jobs and economic growth. 

“A large part of this involves ensuring the investment creates opportunities for young people, particularly those who need more support to compete for jobs. 

“Providing opportunities for the next generation is a crucial part of the City Deal and I’m pleased we are now at the stage of tendering for organisations to help us deliver the Youth Deal. This will directly address long-term youth unemployment in the region, and help support 1,500 young people into work."   

Devon County Council and Plymouth City Council are overseeing the establishment of the Youth Deal on behalf of the City Deal Partners. 

Keri Denton, Head of Economy and Enterprise at Devon County Council, said: “This is a great opportunity to work with a range of trusted and credible organisations and make a difference for young people. 

“There are many reasons why finding a job can be a challenge, and this investment is ideally placed for us to pilot and demonstrate the best approaches that can support young people across the South West.” 

The Plymouth and South West Peninsula City Deal was announced by Ministers in January 2014 and formally launched in April. It secures freedoms and flexibilities from Government for partners to decide how best to support and grow business in the Peninsula. The aim is to boost growth and productivity across the Peninsula, with almost £300 million of investment into the region’s marine and advanced manufacturing sectors, creating over 9,000 jobs. 

Tackling youth unemployment is a key priority of the City Deal with nearly 4,000 16-18 year olds not in education, employment or training, and 8,400 people under 24 currently unemployed across the Peninsula. 

In addition to the Youth Deal, another key initiative of the City Deal involves unlocking land at South Yard in Devonport Naval Base for development. An international team with local expertise has now been appointed to drive forward this flagship proposal with a funding package of £21.5 million from Plymouth City Council, the Heart of the South West LEP, the Department of Communities and Local Government and the MoD to undertake enabling works to consider release of the site. 

The third major element of the Deal was to set up a Growth Hub to collect together, enhance and co-ordinate business support in the region and make accessing this as easy as possible. 

The Peninsula City Deal Growth Hub collects into one place everything and everyone businesses need to know to help them succeed and grow – from expert business advice and mentoring to innovation workspace and R&D facilities, funding and investment support. 

Funded as part of a £6million business support programme from Government’s Regional Growth Fund (RGF) - and delivered in partnership by GAIN (the Growth Acceleration and Investment Network) – several programmes within the Growth Hub are already under way including: a new Business Engagement Service helpline - 0800 073 2020 - run by GAIN; a £3.2 million GAIN Growth Fund; an Export Support Programme in partnership with local Chambers of Commerce and UKTI, an expanded Business Finance Network in partnership with South West Investment Group (SWIG); a Businesses Creation Programme in partnership with School for Startups; and a Manufacturing Advisory Service in partnership with South West Manufacturing Advisory Service (SWMAS).