UP to £175,000 is set to be ploughed into schemes to help young people in Worcester by the city council.

The Guildhall’s Labour leadership wants to inject the six-figure sum into helping teenagers improve their skills.

Around £50,000 will be put into extending the apprenticeships scheme, which has helped 50 youngsters so far.

And a £125,000 grant will be handed to Worcester Sixth Form College to improve science facilities and boost links with city businesses.

The investment, which is expected to be approved by the cabinet next week, is part of a pledge by the administration to focus policy on young people.

Councillor Geoff Williams, deputy leader and cabinet member for economic prosperity, said: “There’s been a recent rise in the proportion of 18-24 year-olds claiming benefits in Worcester, so we really need to take action to make sure our young people are gaining the experience and training they need to get a job.

“We also know that many of our local employers are struggling to find the recruits they need with the right skills, especially in science, engineering, technology and mathematics.

“I’m proposing to invest this money to make sure Worcester is a city of opportunity for both our youngsters and our employers – and to help get Worcester’s economy moving.”

The apprenticeships programme, ran in conjunction with Worcester College of Technology, has created 57 apprenticeships in the city.

According to city council estimates the new funding will support another 34.

The funds means grants of up to £500 can be offered to small companies who normally struggle to afford to employ an apprentice.

The £125,000 college cash will go towards a £2.6 million science centre which is planned.

Some of that money will also be used by the college to develop a regular programme of speakers from county businesses.

The funding will come from the New Homes Bonus - cash handed to the authority in recognition of new properties built in the city.

As your Worcester News first revealed last month, around £1.2m of New Homes Bonus money has been earmarked for the building of new affordable homes over the next three years.

The cabinet is meeting at the Guildhall from 7pm on Tuesday September 10.