Four local young people have taken their first steps into work thanks to Halton firm, Polycon, with support from the Council’s 16+ Education to Employment Team.

The opportunities were made possible following a presentation by young people at a Business Breakfast event hosted by the Halton Chamber of Commerce last November (2024) with a call for businesses to consider offering young people opportunities and help to upskill local talent. Ged Mason, Managing Director of Polycon answered that call and now has four young people working in his firm doing various roles.

The work of the Council’s 16+ Education to Employment Team includes supporting young people to have the opportunity for further education, training and employment. The team work alongside Halton People into Jobs and the Youth Guarantee Trailblazer, which has given access to further funding and training opportunities for the young people.

Ged Mason said: “We’re thrilled to welcome these four enthusiastic young people into our team. They’re gaining real workplace skills including health and safety, using industrial tools, teamwork, customer service, all important aspects of business that will set them up for career success. We’re proud to be investing in our community and our new recruits have impressed us and are already a key part of our team.

“It can be daunting to business owners to think about offering places for young people who don’t have any work experience, but the Council’s 16+ Education to Employment Team supported us every step of the way with advice, access to funding, connections to further education and courses that enhance the ‘on the job’ learning. It’s been such a positive experience for everyone at Polycon and for our four young recruits, I’d encourage more firms to get involved.” Ged added.

Together we’re helping young people take their first steps into good, skilled work – bridging school and employment,” said Councillor Tom McInerney, Executive Member for Children’s Services. “This partnership is a shining example of how public and private sectors can work together to open doors for local talent.”

This is what the young people say:

Grace

“Before joining Polycon, I was in college, so starting here felt a little overwhelming at first. But everyone was incredibly welcoming and patient, which helped me settle in quickly. My confidence has grown so much— I can now answer phone calls and emails independently, and I’m able to handle customer needs on my own. I’m really proud of how far I’ve come in just a few months.”

 

Nathan

“I had just finished school and wasn’t sure what path to take. I’d lost a bit of motivation and was unsure of my next steps. A career worker reached out to me about the opportunity at Polycon, and it came at exactly the right time. It’s been a really positive start to my working life.”

Kaylem

“I’ve really enjoyed developing practical skills, like learning to use the forklift, and I love the hands-on nature of the job. Being here has helped me think more about my future and the progression I want. I enjoy having a routine—getting up in the morning can be tough, but once I’m here, I genuinely love coming to work. I only wish I’d started earlier.”

Josh

“Employment and my apprenticeship at Polycon have helped me become the best version of myself—something I felt I lost during college. I no longer feel like I’m just going to work with colleagues; I’m going to work with friends. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity. I’ve learned more in four months than I ever expected, and I know these skills will stay with me throughout my career.”

Anyone potentially interested in offering work placements to young people aged 16-18, or for those young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities aged up to 24, and would like to know more about what support is available can contact the 16+ Education to Employment Team via e-mail 16+e2eteam@halton.gov.uk.

 

Polycon is one of the leading manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers of channel drainage in the UK, employs 25 people and is based in Widnes.

Council’s 16+ Education to Employment Team support includes working with young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) or those at risk of NEET. More information can be found here – Information on Post 16 education and training support

Halton People into Jobs (Halton Borough Council) offers a range of services to help local residents address barriers to employment i.e. debt/money advice, health improvement, training, skills for life. Advisors/Key Workers also help participants access support through a network of expert specialist organisations.

To register for support please contact:

0151 511 7555 or email hpij@halton.gov.uk

More information: Information on how Halton BC can offer employer support

Youth Guarantee Trailblazer

The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority was awarded £5,000,000 as one of eight Youth Guarantee Trailblazer areas across the country to try new ways of supporting young people into employment or training. In Halton, our scheme was launched this autumn (2025) and is helping to give opportunities for young people to access the additional support needed to get them closer to starting work.