Movement to Work

And the host of the 2025 Movement to Work Youth Employability Awards will be… …journalist, presenter, podcaster and author extraordinaire, Ben Shephard. Ben is a renowned broadcaster and presenter, known for his work on This Morning, Good Morning Britain, Tipping Point and Ninja Warrior UK. In 2022, Ben published his debut book, Humble Heroes: Inspirational Stories of Hope, Heart and Humanity. Ben’s passion for inspiring young people and celebrating their achievements makes him the perfect host for this year’s awards - we’re thrilled to have him as host. Join us as we recognise the incredible young talent, employers, and mentors driving real change in youth employment. If you haven’t already signed up but would like to attend this year’s awards, get in touch at [email protected] ?#MovementToWork #YouthEmployabilityAwards2025

?? This International Women’s Day, let’s step up for young women! #IWD2025 We know that for anyone, getting a job can be life-changing. It’s more than just a paycheck—it’s confidence, independence, and the chance to build towards a future. But right now, too many young (especially NEET*) women are being locked out of opportunities. That’s why we’re backing Smart Works Charity. They give unemployed women the support they need to get hired—providing coaching, workwear, and support when it matters most. And this March marks a milestone for Smart Works – the end of their three-year plan to meet their target of supporting 10,000 women over the year. ????♀?How can you help? Step Up for Smart Works. Walk 10,000 steps a day (or set your own goal) and raise money to help more women into jobs. Every step counts. Every donation changes lives. This IWD, let’s not just celebrate— let’s #AccelerateAction. ?? Join the challenge: https://lnkd.in/eN6RJUYZ *not in education, employment or training #StepUpForSmartWorks #IWD2025 #NEET #YoungPeopleWork

More than 987,000 young people (16-24) in the UK are classified as NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training). And in the West Midlands, the challenge is even greater—with areas like Wolverhampton, Walsall, and Birmingham having NEET rates double the national average. Businesses have a critical role to play in turning this around. That’s why we have partnered with West Midlands Combined Authority to launch YouthPath—a new initiative to help employers create meaningful pathways into work for young people. For over 10 years, we've supported organisations to develop youth employment strategies that work for businesses and young people alike. With backing from employers like Tesco, Accenture, and Marks and Spencer, we know the impact that the right opportunities can have. If you're an employer in the West Midlands, this is your chance to get involved. Let’s create opportunities that transform lives in the West Midlands and beyond. ?? Learn more and pledge your support: https://lnkd.in/eMbT3-8Z #YouthPath #MovementToWork #WestMidlands #YoungPeopleWork

Our work tackling youth unemployment in the West Midlands is making the headlines ?? BBC News, Express & Star, and Birmingham Mail highlighted our mission - in partnership with West Midlands Combined Authority - to connect young people with the opportunities they deserve. With youth unemployment rates at an 11-year high, we’re bringing together businesses, training providers, and young people to drive change. ?? Read more: ?? BBC News - https://lnkd.in/eSxmREJG ?? Express & Star - https://lnkd.in/e6nWpm75 ?? Birmingham Mail - https://lnkd.in/e7vVTNQY Want to get involved? Head to https://lnkd.in/eMbT3-8Z

Last week, we officially launched YouthPath, and what an incredible event it was! Thanks to First Class Foundation UK, here’s a behind-the-scenes reel capturing the energy, passion, and commitment that made it so special. It’s also great to see BBC News and several local newspapers covering the Movement to Work x West Midlands Combined Authority YouthPath launch—shedding light on the importance of creating real opportunities for young people in the region: https://lnkd.in/e2m7tTqJ Now is the time for businesses, leaders, and society to come together and open doors to a thriving, fulfilling future for the next generation. Find out more and express your interest in joining us: https://lnkd.in/eB9xaMAf Helene Dearn OBE Angela Moore Richard Parker Nathan Dennis Sabrina Dennis Emma Taylor Jenny Woodrow Jack Speckman Ant Conlin Louise Quinney Lauren O'Neill Donna Duce Gemma Davies

Nominations Announced | 2025 MtW Youth Employability Awards! ?? These awards celebrate the incredible individuals, employers, and partners who go above and beyond to support young people into employment. ?? See the full nomination list here - https://lnkd.in/eHZN27dr A huge congratulations to all the nominees. ?? Categories include: ?? Best Newcomer (Employer & Partner) ?? Employer of the Year ?? Mentor of the Year ?? Partner of the Year ?? Outstanding Contribution to Young People ?? Young Trailblazer ?? Rising Star ?? Breakthrough Star A massive thank you to everyone who submitted nominations — it has been truly inspiring to read your stories. ??? Winners will be announced on 1st April and we can’t wait to celebrate with you all! For any event queries or ticket support, reach out to [email protected]. #YouthEmployabilityAwards2025 #MovementToWork #YoungPeopleWork

Businesses, help me tackle youth unemployment.? ? Marks and Spencer gave Katie from Northfield a chance - now she’s thriving. ? Through my Youth Employment Plan and our partnership with Movement to Work's YouthPath, we’re delivering real opportunities for young people.

?? YouthPath has launched! ?? With some of the highest NEET rates in the country, too many young people in the West Midlands are facing barriers to work. We’ve partnered with the West Midlands Combined Authority to launch YouthPath - a campaign to help local businesses deliver more opportunities for young people and tackle youth unemployment in the region. Our CEO 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.?So, West Midlands business leaders—join YouthPath and help shape a brighter future for young people in the region.” At this week’s launch event, we heard inspiring stories, including from Katie, who came from being NEET to building a successful career in retail with Marks and Spencer through the Marks & Start programme. But we need more employers to step up and help shape a brighter future for young people. Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, added: “By engaging with employers we can help to open up opportunities for young people to access meaningful work experience, training opportunities and apprenticeships.” ??? Read the full press release here: https://lnkd.in/exsNRTzv ?? Find out how your organisation can get involved: https://lnkd.in/eMbT3-8Z #YouthPath #MovementToWork #WestMidlands #YoungPeopleWork Event photography ?? Fanny Beckman Design ?? Adam Jennings

A sobering message from today’s employment news: NEET figures on the rise Today’s ONS data is a stark reminder of the growing challenge facing young people in the UK. In October to December 2024, 13.4% of 16 to 24-year-olds were not in education, employment, or training (NEET). That’s 987,000 young people, an increase of 110,000 in just one year and 23,000 on the quarter. ?? Young men NEET: 14.4% (+1.2 percentage points) ?? Young women NEET: 12.3% (+1.3 percentage points) ???1 in 8 16-24 year olds now classed as NEET. A cycle that needs breaking. ??? BBC News report NEET Stats hit and 11 year high: https://lnkd.in/eCmXP5Dx ?? Read the full stats here: https://lnkd.in/eChdmVsv #YoungPeopleWork #MovementToWork

??Our first in-person Youth Action Forum (YAF) in London Every quarter, we bring together our employer network for an online Youth Action Forum, discussing key topics to support young people in the workplace. But due to its growing popularity and enthusiasm from our network, we decided to hold our first-ever in-person YAF at the end of January. This session focused on best practices, external signposting, and resources to support the mental well-being of young people at work. The day featured: ?? Guest speakers from our employer and partner networks ?? Table discussions around key challenges and solutions ??? A networking lunch, bringing together an incredible group of organisations Our CEO Sareena Bains said: "Hosting our first in-person Youth Action Forum was a fantastic milestone. Bringing together so many of our employer network to discuss tangible ways to support young people in the workplace highlights the power of collaboration. A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to such an insightful day.” A huge thank you to: ?? Marriott Hotels for hosting us at their wonderful venue. ??? Youth Access for setting the scene and sharing insights into what young people are feeling right now. ?? ManpowerGroup, Marks and Spencer, Street League & YouthBuild Ventures UK for being guest speakers and bringing young people to share their perspectives firsthand And to the amazing organisations in the room, including: BAE Systems, MBDA, Witherslack Group, Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Salesforce, NatWest Group, Shaw Trust, wagamama, Tesco, Breyer Group, Randstad, IBM, Pret A Manger, and Lidl GB ?? Check out some moments from the day below! #YouthActionForum #YoungPeopleWork #MentalWellbeing #EmployerNetwork