Young people who are not in education, employment, or training
(NEET) are set to benefit from a new scheme designed to get them
into work.
YouthPath – which has been launched by charity Movement to Work
and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) – will work with
businesses to create effective career paths for NEETs.
It is the latest initiative to be set up in support of West
Midlands Mayor Richard Parker's mission to tackle youth
unemployment.
More than 987,000 young people in the UK are classified as NEET
with the West Midlands having some of the highest numbers in the
country. Areas like Wolverhampton, Walsall, and Birmingham have
rates that are double the national average.
At a YouthPath launch event in Birmingham (on Wednesday February
26), the Mayor told employers and other organisations about his
wider Youth Employment Plan, which aims to create 20,000
opportunities for young people over the next few years.
The Mayor met also met Katie Stansbie who spoke about her
inspirational journey from being NEET to building a successful
career in retail with M&S through the Marks & Start
programme.
The Mayor, who is also chair of the WMCA, said: “I left school at
16 and went straight into work but was lucky enough to get the
support and encouragement I needed to start out on a new career
path. I want every young person to have the same opportunity I
had so they can get ahead in life.
“It's why I'm committed to creating 20,000 training, work
experience and apprenticeship placements. We've already created
5,000 but there is still more to do and I'm calling on employers
to work with me to help drive down youth unemployment.
“It's only by working together that we can give young people the
opportunities they deserve."
Sareena Bains, CEO of Movement to Work, along with key employers
and partners, discussed the importance of working together to
create opportunities through the YouthPath campaign.
Attendees at the launch event heard from Katie who, reflecting on
her experience, said: “I'm so grateful to have completed the
Marks and Start programme, it has given me full time employment,
financial independence and a new sense of purpose and
self-confidence.”
Commenting on the YouthPath partnership, Sareena Bains, said:
“We're delighted to be on this journey with the WMCA. By creating
meaningful pathways into work, we're not just opening doors to
young people struggling most, we're helping businesses to become
more inclusive and fit for the future.
“We have over 10 years of experience in supporting businesses
with their youth employment strategies – and as a charity, we do
it all free of charge. By joining YouthPath, West Midlands
business leaders can help shape a brighter future for our
region's young people.”
Emma Taylor, chief people officer at Tesco added: “The
YouthPath Campaign will give thousands of young people the
opportunities and skills to kickstart their careers.
“At Tesco, we are passionate about helping young people learn the
skills that will set them up for life – particularly in
communities where opportunities are not always easy to come by.
“This year we'll again be running our Stronger Starts Retail
Apprenticeship, offering hundreds of young people, including
those from the West Midlands, the first step on the path to an
exciting and rewarding career in retail.”
Jonathan Townsend, UK Chief Executive of the King's Trust and
Member of Movement to Work Steering Group, added: “We're
delighted that YouthPath is committed to supporting young people
across the West Midlands who are not in work, education or
training.
“Young people currently face multiple challenges to get into
work, and for those who already face disadvantage, there are more
barriers to success.
“At The King's Trust we know that with the right help and
opportunities young people can reach their aspirations. Being
supported into employment can enable them to increase their
confidence, self-worth and reach their full potential.”
Employer engagement sessions will take place over the coming
weeks. Interested businesses and organisations are invited to
pledge their support and join a growing network committed to
creating pathways into work for young people.
For more information about the YouthPath Campaign or to get
involved visit the YouthPath webpage.
Visit the WMCA website for more about the Mayor's Youth Employment Plan and
Employer pledge.
