Children and young people across York and North Yorkshire are set to benefit from a new £400,000 Cradle to Career Fund, as David Skaith, the mayor of York and North Yorkshire unveils plans to support young people from their earliest years through to employment.

As part of the first phase, two pilot programmes have been approved to strengthen support in the earliest years of a child’s life: the globally recognised Dolly Parton Imagination Library, launching in Selby; and the York and North Yorkshire Baby Box pilot, launching in Scarborough.

The ambition for Cradle to Career will also cover primary, secondary and post-16 education ages, including careers days, career hubs, apprenticeships and internships in areas such as teaching, construction and STEM-based subjects.