A GROUP of young offenders will be given education and training to reduce further crimes being committed in Dorset.

Twelve young people will either be trained in English and maths or receive a practical construction qualification as part of a project aimed at helping youngsters who are on the edge of the criminal justice system to be diverted away from getting further involved in criminal activity through training, education and by ultimately being helped into work.

Dorset Trade Skills, a training centre based in Weymouth, will provide online English and maths training to some of the young people, in a part-time package which has been designed to keep them engaged without being overwhelmed by a return to full-time education, which may result in some of them dropping out of the course.

Other members of the group will complete a practical course to gain a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) labourer card which will provide them with a route to employment.

The project is being funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) and training is set to begin within the next few weeks.

Kirsty Reed, from the Dorset Combined Youth Justice Service, said: "Getting young people engaged in mentoring activities and education or training opportunities to build skills and boost motivation and self-esteem is key to helping young people make positive steps and choices moving forward.

"They help to re-engage, add focus, show what true potential a person has and what they can achieve and raise career aspirations. Being engaged in positive learning activities helps to divert young people from criminal activity and reduce reoffending, which is one of the main aims of the Youth Justice Service.

"The great working relationship that has been made with the OPCC allows for regular discussions. This is really helpful to make sure that projects are suitable and accessible across the whole of Dorset and involve areas of interest that are relevant and aimed at the right level to meet the needs of the young people we work with.

"We are really keen to keep and develop these links and projects now and in the future."

For more information, visit the Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner website.