The council has been providing work experience placements for young people to help better their chances of securing jobs.
It is helping youngsters bridge the gap between education and employment with 69 work experience placements across the organisation set to be completed by September.
This comes following a review into how Croydon can develop a high quality education to employment brokerage and employability support service for young people.
The First Step Croydon review was presented at cabinet on Monday by young leaders from Croydon Citizens who attend Croydon and Coulsdon Colleges.
The work looks at how the council can respond to the job opportunities that will be created as a result of the borough’s growth and regeneration.
It explores how this can link into the council’s existing job brokerage service, and extend work with Jobcentre Plus, Croydon and John Ruskin colleges and training providers, to provide employers with job-ready applicants for vacancies that are created from major commercial developments in the borough.
The review also proposes that a youth leadership team is set up to hold services to account.
“Croydon’s regeneration will provide thousands of new job opportunities and we want to make sure Croydon’s young people are able to benefit from this.
“Getting quality work experience is vital in giving them the skills needed to succeed.
“We’re delighted to have nearly 70 youngsters doing work experience at the council this year and hope it encourages other employers in the borough to follow our lead.”
Councillor Tony Newman, leader of the council
Councillor Jamie Audsley, who led the review, said: “Young people in Croydon have told me that while they’re excited about the big developments and changes improving our town, they are also worried about missing out on job opportunities.
“They feel that one of the biggest obstacles they face is not being able to find high quality work experience placements that can make the difference between a rejection letter and getting that skilled job.
“First Step Croydon is about addressing this by ensuring schools, colleges, employers and the council work together, so that Croydon youngsters have the necessary skills to find work.”
