THURROCK Council’s careers team were finalists at the National Children and Young People Now Awards on Thursday.

The 17-strong team provides careers information advice and guidance delivered by personal advisers working in schools and outreach centres across then borough and their successes was rewarded by being at the finals ceremony in the Grand Connaught Rooms, Covent Garden.

They support young people on their chosen career path as well as dramatically reducing the number of young people who are not in employment, education or training (NEETs).

Thurrock is the only local authority area in the country where not a single young person is unaccounted for.

In addition, the Thurrock Council careers team achieved 99.2 per cent on their September Guarantee – the highest in the country where local councils must offer a learning place to young people who have left Year 11 in that year, whether it is a college or sixth form place, an apprenticeship or working/volunteering with training.

The national average is 92.5 per cent and the East of England average is 82.7 per cent. Any young person aged between 16 and 19 who is unsure about their future career is welcome to come and talk to the Thurrock careers team at the Thurrock Learning Shop in George Street, Grays - no appointment is needed.