Plan unveiled to tackle youth unemployment in West Midlands
A project to help tackle the high level of youth unemployment in the West Midlands has been launched.
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YouthPath has been set up by charity Movement to Work and the West Midlands Combined Authority to help create career paths for young people not in education, employment or training (NEET).
Figures show more than 987,000 young people in the UK are classed at NEET with areas like Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Walsall having rates double the national average.
At a launch event in Birmingham, West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker – who left school at the age of 16 – told employers his Youth Employment Plan aims to create 20,000 opportunities for young people in the coming years.
Mr Parker 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, added: “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.”
Katie Stansbie, who went from being a NEET to building a successful retail career with M&S, 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.”
Businesses can find out more about the YouthPath Campaign or to get involved by visiting the YouthPath webpage.
