Mayor calls on East Midlands employers to pledge opportunities for young people

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Employers across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire are being invited to become a part of Generation East Midlands, a new regional campaign calling on businesses to create more opportunities for young people to gain meaningful experience of the workplace.

Championed by the Mayor of the East MIdlands, Claire Ward, the campaign asks employers to make practical pledges that help young people build confidence, skills and connections while strengthening the East Midlands’ future workforce.

Pledges of support could include work experience, workplace visits, mentoring, apprenticeships, entry-level jobs or interview support. Employers can choose from a menu of pledges or develop their own commitment to reflect the size, sector and capacity of their organisation.

Mayor Claire said: “Supporting young people to shine is all of our business: and I am calling on our local businesses to do their bit. The East Midlands is home to talented and ambitious young people who have so much to offer, but too many do not get the chance to experience the workplace, make connections or show an employer what they can do. If we want these young people to join the workforce skilled, motivated and ready to deliver, we need to create more links between them and the world of work.

“We have created Generation East Midlands to give every employer a practical, measurable way to contribute – and to be able to show that they are working, consciously, to create opportunities for young people. It is a simple pledge, tailored to the employer: for example, offering a young person their first experience of work, creating an apprenticeship, or helping to remove a barrier from recruitment.

“So join Generation East Midlands, open up opportunities for young people and help build the skilled and inclusive workforce our economy needs.”

The campaign forms part of the East Midlands Combined County Authority’s (EMCCA’s) Youth Ambition, which aims to ensure every young person is seen, heard and supported to build their future. It sits alongside wider plans to strengthen careers advice, improve access to workplace experiences, support young people with additional needs, and make sure young people have a stronger voice in decisions that affect them.

It comes as the region faces a significant youth participation challenge, with about 40,000 young people not currently in education, employment or training (NEET).

EMCCA will work with local authorities, schools, colleges, training providers and employment support organisations to help employers turn their pledge into delivery. Support will reflect each employer’s needs and may include introductions to suitable partners, help coordinating dates and referrals, and practical support to address barriers to participation.

The campaign will recognise participating employers and share success stories so that effective approaches can be adopted by more organisations across the region. Employer insight will also help EMCCA and its partners understand industry needs and improve how young people prepare for the workplace.

John Yarham, The Careers & Enterprise Company chief executive officer, said: “We welcome the Mayor’s call for employers to get involved and are already working closely with the Careers Hub, the Combined Authority and businesses across the region to connect with the next generation of talent on their doorstep.

“Through our insight, employer networks, training and practical guidance, we make it easier for businesses to engage with young people and create meaningful opportunities, giving young people a clearer line of sight to their future and the opportunities available to them.”

EMCCA will hold an online webinar in October for employers and other interested organisations. The session will explain how the campaign works, share examples of pledges and outline the support available to help employers turn their commitment into action.

Webinar details will be announced shortly. Employers can register their interest in the webinar or discuss making a pledge by emailing the team at pledge @ eastmidlands-cca.gov.uk.