Category: News Hero

Coalition of Major Businesses Launch Youth Work Experience Campaign

Movement to Work Urges Employers to Break the ‘No Experience, No Job’ Cycle

London, 02 April 2025 – A coalition of major UK employers is taking action to support young people lacking work experience by launching a new campaign amidst the highest number of 16 to 30-year-olds not in education, employment, or training (NEET) in over a decade.

Movement to Work (MtW), a leading not-for-profit organisation working with businesses such as Accenture, BAE Systems, Barclays, Centrica, Diageo, Marriott, M&S, Tesco, and Salesforce, is calling on more employers to make work experience a meaningful pathway into employment for NEET young people through its Work Experience Works campaign.

This initiative unites committed employers and partners to refine best-practice guidance, showcase real-life success stories, and expand access to high-quality work experience opportunities. Through extensive research and collaboration, MtW has developed nine guiding principles for impactful work experience programmes that create real employment opportunities.

The Call to Action: Work Experience as a Solution to Youth Unemployment

With 987,000 young people currently NEET—the highest figure in 11 years—the need for action is urgent. Work experience is a proven tool in tackling youth unemployment, equipping young people with essential skills and exposure to the world of work.

Government initiatives like the Youth Guarantee are positive steps, but for these policies to be effective, they must be supported by structured, high-quality work experience programmes that provide genuine value to young people and employers alike.

CEO of Movement to Work on the Power of Work Experience

“In the face of rising youth unemployment and economic inactivity, removing barriers to work has never been more critical,” said Sareena Bains, CEO of Movement to Work.

“Time and again, young people tell us that the biggest barrier to securing a job is a lack of work experience. This is the harsh reality of the ‘no experience, no job’ cycle—one that leaves too many young people struggling to take their first steps into employment.

“At Movement to Work, we are dedicated to breaking this cycle. For over a decade, we have worked alongside employers and youth outreach organisations to create high-quality, accessible work experiences that do more than just fill a CV gap. These opportunities provide real-world experience, build confidence, support mental health and well-being, and help young people discover the right career path for them.”

Since its inception, Movement to Work has helped deliver over 225,000 youth opportunities, with 89% of participants securing employment, further education, or training. This initiative demonstrates the power of work experience to change lives and create lasting career opportunities.

A Win-Win for Young People and Employers

Work experience benefits both young people and businesses. For young people, it provides essential skills, career exploration, and increased employability. For employers, it opens doors to diverse, untapped talent while fostering the next generation of skilled workers.

Movement to Work has seen firsthand how work experience transforms lives. The organisation urges more businesses to step up, get involved, and support young people on their journey to employment.

Learn more and download the guidance here.

Join the Movement

Employers are encouraged to join Movement to Work’s mission and help expand access to meaningful work experiences for young people across the UK.

For more information on how to get involved, visit www.movementtowork.com or contact info@movementtowork.com.


Case Study: Gabby’s Journey to an Electrician Apprenticeship

Gabby, now in her second year of an electrician apprenticeship with BAE Systems Submarines in Barrow-in-Furness, shares her inspiring journey:

“I left school with two GCSEs—it was never a place where I felt comfortable. I started a business and performing arts courses at college, but life took a difficult turn. After leaving college and overcoming personal challenges, I pursued a Level 3 qualification in business administration and worked various jobs, including as a cleaner and social media assistant. However, I struggled to find stability.

“During the Covid-19 pandemic, I participated in the Government’s Kickstart programme and later joined a ‘Get into Engineering’ course run by the Job Centre, The Prince’s Trust, The Launch Group, BAE Systems, and Movement to Work. I enjoyed it and applied for an electrician apprenticeship.

“I started my training in September 2023, and for the first time, I feel like I’m on the right path, with a permanent job opportunity waiting at the end of my apprenticeship.”


About Movement to Work

Movement to Work is a UK charity that helps employers deliver high-quality employability opportunities for young people aged 16-30 facing barriers to work. The organisation provides fully funded professional support to businesses committed to tackling youth unemployment.

Over the past decade, Movement to Work has facilitated over 225,000 youth opportunities, including work experience, apprenticeships, sector-based work academy programmes, internships, traineeships, and entry-level roles. With an 89% success rate, the initiative has transformed thousands of lives.

Movement to Work’s Steering Group includes executive leaders from Accenture, BAE Systems, Barclays, Centrica, Diageo, Marriott, M&S, Tesco, Salesforce, and Spirax-Group, as well as representatives from The TUC, The CBI, The King’s Trust, and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

The organisation’s mission is to help young people gain access to valuable work experiences as a pathway to sustainable employment while exposing businesses to diverse, emerging talent.


For media enquiries and interview opportunities, contact info@movementtowork.com.

Ben Shephard Announced as Host for the 2025 Movement to Work Youth Employability Awards

Today, Movement to Work announces Ben Shephard—journalist, presenter, podcaster, and author—as the host of the 2025 Movement to Work Youth Employability Awards.

Ben is a highly respected broadcaster, best known for his work on This Morning, Good Morning Britain, Tipping Point and Ninja Warrior UK. Beyond television, he is also an author, having published his debut book, Humble Heroes: Inspirational Stories of Hope, Heart and Humanity, in 2022.

His passion for inspiring young people and celebrating their achievements makes him the perfect host for this year’s awards.

 

A Message from Movement to Work

Louise Quinney, Chief Operating Officer at Movement to Work, said:

“We’re thrilled to have Ben as the host for this year’s awards. Ben’s dedication to telling human stories and championing achievement aligns perfectly with our mission here at Movement to Work. We’ve had some incredible hosts and special guests over the years, such as Angellica Bell, Konnie Huq, and Hugh Dennis, to name a few, and we’re so happy that Ben is the next to steward this very special event.”

About the Youth Employability Awards

The Movement to Work Youth Employability Awards celebrate:

Young people who have overcome barriers to employment and achieved success.
Employers who are committed to creating opportunities and breaking down barriers.
Mentors and organisations who go above and beyond to support young people in their career journeys.

The event brings together industry leaders, young professionals, and advocates dedicated to tackling youth unemployment and creating meaningful career pathways.

Get Involved

If you’d like to attend this year’s awards, get in touch with the team at info@movementtowork.com.

#MovementToWork #YouthEmployabilityAwards2025

 

Nominees for the 2025 Youth Employability Awards Announced

We are delighted to announce the following nominees for the upcoming MtW Youth Employability Awards on 1st April! Congratulations to all these incredible nominees—you should all be so proud of yourselves!


Best Newcomer – Employer

  • Hays
  • Randstad UK&I

Best Newcomer – Partner

  • AVIARD Inspires / The AMANI Project
  • Caretrade Charitable Trust
  • Key4Life
  • Street League

Employer of the Year

  • BAE Systems
  • Care Leavers Into Careers
  • DWP
  • St George
  • Thames Water
  • Willis Towers Watson

Mentor of the Year

  • Amani Simpson – Aviard Inspires / The AMANI Project
  • Blanch Cameron-Smith – M&S
  • Bristol Temple Street Movement to Work Team – DWP
  • Carla Ballard – DWP
  • Catherine Legg – DWP
  • Darren Holland – DWP
  • Debbie Miller – DWP
  • Eleanor Roper – Springboard UK
  • Frazer Rogers – BAE Systems
  • Gary Bell – DWP
  • Ishtiaq Ahmed – DWP
  • Izzy Miller – Pathway CTM
  • Jayne Barrett – DWP
  • Keith Halliwell – DWP
  • Kieran McVey – Care UK
  • Laura Mustoe – DWP
  • Leisel Quinn – Catch 22
  • Lorraine Coyle-McLaren – Springboard UK
  • Mary Jacobs – DWP
  • Naomi Pitt – DWP
  • Paul Webster – DWP
  • Richard McGowan – Springboard UK
  • Rosie Barrett – Catch 22
  • Sam Meakings & Rob Dell – DWP
  • Sarah Browning – Springboard UK
  • Shelby Bovingdon – DWP
  • Shelly Larsen-McHugh – Manpower Group
  • Shirley Lynch – Northampton Saints Foundation
  • Susan Dunn – DWP
  • Teresa Carthy – DWP
  • Wayne Sattaur – Springboard UK
  • William Holt – DWP
  • Yuliia Salionovych – Shaw Trust

Partner of the Year

  • Generation
  • The King’s Trust
  • The Launch Group
  • PeoplePlus
  • Springboard
  • YouthBuild Ventures

Outstanding Contribution to Young People Award

  • Amani Simpson – AVIARD Inspires / The Amani Project
  • Bristol Temple Street Movement to Work Team – DWP
  • Darren Holland – DWP
  • Donatas Jurevicius – Marriott
  • Donna England – DWP
  • Gary Bell – DWP
  • Gillian Dalziel – Diageo
  • Hannah Simpson – DWP
  • Ingar McVicar – Springboard
  • Joshua Crew – DWP
  • Kayleigh Rotvik – DWP
  • Keith Halliwell – DWP
  • Leigh Maxfield – Thames Water
  • Lynn Makings – DWP
  • Mo Saif – Youthbuild Ventures
  • Moonawara Moostafin Milaqul Hasanath – DWP
  • Naomi Pitt – DWP
  • Rachael Cunningham – Thames Water
  • Rob Dell – DWP
  • Sami Khan – DWP
  • Sam Meakings – DWP
  • Sam Meakings & Rob Dell – DWP
  • Santarna Williams – Catch 22
  • Shelly Larsen-McHugh – Manpower
  • Sherri Holland – DWP
  • Susan Dunn – DWP
  • Waqas Nadeem – DWP

Young Trailblazer Award

  • Ali Karimian Mazidi – DWP
  • Anisa Dahir – Shaw Trust
  • Brandon Tattersall – BAE Systems / King’s Trust
  • Elizabeth Hughes – DWP
  • Holly Franklin – King’s Trust
  • Imogen Colebourne – M&S
  • Imogen Gorn – DWP
  • Jacob Mohammed-Irvine – DWP
  • Jak Mccrae – DWP
  • Katie Stansbie – M&S
  • Lee Kiley – Shaw Trust
  • Megan Chapman – Thames Water
  • Tianna Coulson – Northampton Saints Foundation
  • Umay Nadeem – M&S
  • William Partridge – DWP

Rising Star Award

  • Aaron Sidhu – Marriott
  • Adam Aziz – DWP
  • Adam Lawther – Thames Water
  • Cameron Dedman – DWP
  • Chetwind Peters – M&S
  • Curtis Ewah – Caretrade
  • Daisy Smith – M&S
  • Davina Brown – DWP
  • Frankie Fraser – M&S
  • Harry Royall – DWP
  • Isaac Bryson – DWP
  • Jack Wood – Accenture
  • Jamie Mcphillips – DWP
  • Javan Daniel Kakala – Caretrade
  • Jessica Adams – DWP
  • Katie Billings – DWP
  • Luke Sparrow – DWP
  • Magnus Hayze – DWP
  • Manar Daich – DWP
  • Missy Butler – DWP
  • Naaira Chowdhary – DWP
  • Niall Lilliot – Springboard
  • Nikita Morris – BAE Systems
  • Nikita Weir-Douglas – M&S
  • Oliver (Ollie) Simms – DWP
  • Oliver Smith – DWP
  • Ronnie Andrews – M&S
  • Veronica Sullivan – Spirax Group
  • Wiktoria Stroncik – DWP

Breakthrough Star Award

  • Aaron Sidhu – Marriott
  • Aminat Bello – YouthBuild Ventures
  • Angelika Specht – DWP
  • Bethany Simpson – DWP
  • Caitlin Wild – DWP
  • Chetwind Peters – M&S
  • Cristabell Kyeremeh – DWP
  • Ehimen Omoregie – M&S
  • Emma Mcneill – DWP
  • Florence Murray – DWP
  • Gabriela Scott Chavez – Accenture
  • Hannah Egan – DWP
  • Heather Bethune – DWP
  • Jada Retnam-Mate – DWP
  • Jake Hall – DWP
  • Jake Loney-Pursaill – Manpower
  • Joshua Hargreaves – King’s Trust / M&S
  • Kane Spence – Northampton Saints Foundation
  • Leah James – Accenture
  • Leon Buffham – Springboard
  • Macey Heaps – Thames Water
  • Marian Belu – DWP
  • Mark McGrath – M&S
  • Maryam Rahman – Accenture
  • Megan Mukeza – Aviard Inspires
  • Mike Tyson – BAE Systems / King’s Trust
  • Molly Gaffney – DWP
  • Monchi Lau – Springboard
  • Morgan Eaton-Brown – DWP
  • Richard Rice – DWP
  • Vicky Onilogbo – BAE Systems / King’s Trust

A big thank you to everyone who took the time to submit a nomination—it was a privilege to read your stories.
For any issues with tickets or questions, please reach out to the team at events@movementtowork.com.
Looking forward to seeing many of you very soon!

 

Charity Calls on Chancellor to Break Barriers to Work for Young People in Supported Housing

YMCA, the largest voluntary sector provider of supported housing for young people in England and Wales, has issued an open letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, urging the Government to address critical barriers preventing young people in supported housing from accessing employment.

The letter, which has been endorsed by a group of charities and businesses, draws attention to findings from YMCA’s 2023 report, Breaking Barriers to Work. The research reveals that systemic challenges, particularly within the benefits system, are trapping young people in supported housing in a cycle of unemployment.

Key challenges highlighted in the report include:

  • The financial penalty of working: Residents of supported housing often lose essential housing benefits after working just 11-12 hours per week, leaving them unable to afford rent.
  • Lower Universal Credit allowances for young people: Those under 25 receive less Universal Credit than their older peers even if they are living without family support, further hindering their ability to achieve financial independence.
  • Practical barriers: High transport costs and work-appropriate clothing make it harder for disadvantaged young people to transition into work.

YMCA-commissioned economic analysis highlights the significant benefits of reform. By providing a Universal Credit work allowance to protect supported housing residents from financial penalties and equalising allowances for young people under 25, the government could welcome up to £11 in tax receipts and welfare savings for every £1 spent.

Denise Hatton, Chief Executive of YMCA England & Wales, said:

“Young people in supported housing face extraordinary barriers to work due to a benefits system that punishes, rather than rewards, ambition. This isn’t just a loss for them—it’s a loss for society and the economy. It’s time for bold action to unlock their potential, ensuring they can move forward with dignity and opportunity.”

Sareena Bains, Chief Executive of Movement to Work, added:

“Young people bring energy, innovation, and fresh perspectives to the workplace. Those in supported housing deserve fair opportunities and a system where work truly makes a difference to their lives. By breaking down barriers, we can create meaningful change for young people and pave the way for a stronger, more prosperous future for our economy.”

YMCA and its partners are committed to working with the Government to ensure every young person, regardless of background, has the opportunity to succeed in their career and contribute to the community. The letter concludes with a call for collaborative action to end youth unemployment and create a fairer system.


Read the open letter: ymca.org.uk/ymca-open-letter

Full List of Signees:

  • Denise Hatton, CEO, YMCA England & Wales
  • Sareena Bains, CEO, Movement to Work
  • Edward Siegel, CEO, Charity Bank
  • James Musgrave, Finance Director UK&I and Board Sponsor for Social Purpose, Hays Plc
  • Ashby Jenkins, CEO, Ashby Jenkins Recruitment
  • Helen Taylor, Associate Director, C2 Recruitment
  • Polly Neate, CEO, Shelter
  • Rick Henderson, CEO, Homeless Link
  • Emma Haddad, CEO, St Mungo’s
  • Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the Community Wellbeing Board, Local Government Association
  • Francesca Albanese, Executive Director of Policy & Social Change, Crisis
  • Balbir Chatrik, Director of Policy and Prevention, Centrepoint
  • Phil Kerry, CEO, New Horizon Youth Centre
  • Carol Gallagher, CEO, Doorway
  • Jonny Whitehead, CEO, Herts Young Homeless
  • Mark Wood, CEO, Colchester Korban Project
  • Mike Jarman, CEO, The Zone Plymouth
  • Dom Wood, CEO, 1625 Independent People
  • David Smith, CEO, Stepping Stone Projects
  • Leon Ward, CEO, MyBnk
  • JJ Tatten, CEO, The Warren Youth Project
  • David Chaffey, CEO, BHT Sussex
  • Esther Barrett, Director of Quality, Performance & Safeguarding, P3 Charity

About YMCA England & Wales

  • YMCA England & Wales comprises 84 member YMCAs working to ensure young people have opportunities to thrive and contribute positively to their communities.
  • YMCAs operate in 708 different communities across England and Wales, impacting the lives of more than 400,000 people every year.
  • YMCA is the largest voluntary sector provider of supported housing for young people in England and Wales, providing a bed for 10,432 people each night and collectively helping more than 20,000 people experiencing homelessness each year.
  • YMCA works with 228,000 children, young people, parents, and carers to provide the best possible start in life, offering support into their teenage years and beyond.
  • YMCA England & Wales enables more than 23,000 people every year to engage in education and training to improve their opportunities in the job market.
  • We welcome 107,000 people through our doors to partake in healthy living activities, helping people of all abilities and experiences to look after their health and wellbeing.

For further information, please visit: www.ymca.org.uk

NatWest Group joins Movement to Work

Movement to Work Is delighted to announce that NatWest Group, the largest business and commercial bank in the UK, has joined its network of employers committed to tackling youth employment. 

As a new member, the NatWest Group will work with charity Movement to Work to further develop its youth employment strategy. This partnership will build on the learnings gain from its previous youth focussed programmes alongside the wide range of Apprenticeships they offer.

In 2024 NatWest Group enrolled 30 16–24-year-olds who are not in education, employment or training onto an immersive programme run in partnership with local youth organisations. The programme equipped young people with vital skills development, mentoring and paid work experience. Many of these young people are facing barriers to employment, caught in a cycle of limited experience and often with low expectations of themselves and from those around them. Through the programme the young people were able to build their confidence over several weeks and allows them the space to understand their own skills and strengths better, as well as what they might want to do next.

And their Elevate Apprenticeship programme offers young people aged 16-24 from low socio- economic communities the opportunity to start their career in banking whilst gaining an apprenticeship qualification.  Since 2020 NatWest Group have offered more than 700 young people permanent roles through this wonderful apprenticeship programme.

NatWest Group joins over a hundred employers, youth outreach partners and training providers who make up the Movement to Work community, all committed to breaking down barriers to employment and creating quality opportunities for young people who need it most.


“We’re proud to become a member of Movement to Work and look forward to supporting more young people in our communities who may be facing barriers to work build confidence, explore new opportunities and gain valuable work experience and employment opportunities.”

Sandra Beattie, Head of Early Talent, NatWest Group 


“We are thrilled to welcome NatWest Group to the Movement to Work membership and we commend their leadership. We are here to help to ensure their programmes deliver real impact for their organisation, for society, and, most importantly, for the young people themselves. I look forward to working together now and well into the future.”

Sareena Bains, CEO, Movement to Work added.


About Movement to Work:

Movement to Work (MtW) helps employers deliver high-quality employability opportunities for young people aged 16-30 facing barriers to work. As a registered UK charity, MtW offers fully-funded professional support to businesses interested in tackling youth unemployment.

For over a decade, Movement to Work has helped deliver over 200,000 youth opportunities, including work experience, apprenticeships, sector-based work academy programmes, internships, traineeships, and entry-level roles. These efforts have resulted in positive outcomes for more than 89% of participants, who have gone on to secure further employment, education, or training.

Movement to Work’s Steering Group includes executive leaders from major UK businesses such as Accenture, BAE Systems, Barclays, Centrica, Diageo, Marriott, M&S, Tesco, Salesforce, and Spirax-Sarco, as well as leaders from the TUC, The CBI, The King’s Trust, and the DWP. MtW’s mission is to help young people gain access to valuable work experiences as a pathway to sustainable employment, and in turn, expose organisations to diverse, untapped talent.

For more information visit movementtowork.com

About NatWest Group:

NatWest Group is a UK-focused banking organisation, serving over 19 million customers, with business operations stretching across retail, commercial and private banking markets. In addition to providing employability education and opportunities for young people facing barriers to employment, NatWest Group hire over 600 Apprentices, Interns and Graduates annually offering high quality learning experiences that support people to launch their careers. 

Contact:

For media inquiries, please contact: info@movementtowork.com

#NoWrongPath – Developing the Young Workforce

Today marks Scottish Results Day and the annual Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) #NoWrongPath campaign. The campaign aims to inspire and reassure young people receiving their results, showing that there is no wrong path. 

To support the campaign, Movement to Work’s Gemma Davies, Head of Talent and Regional Development, has volunteered her story. 

Gemma joined the Movement to Work team in March 2024 on secondment from Tesco and has worked for Tesco for nearly 19 years. During this time, she has held various roles within stores and, for the past six years, has served as an HR People Partner within the Distribution function.

This is her path.

“I was never particularly academic and finished school not really having any idea of what I wanted to do as a career.

I just about got the grades I needed to go to sixth form to do my A levels but had to re-sit English whilst doing them. I got a part-time job in a Tesco petrol station close to home whilst studying. This was always meant to be a stop gap until I figured out what I wanted to do.

I decided to go to university as I was still unsure what to do as a career, and it felt like the right thing to do. I dropped out of university after a few months as I just was really not enjoying it. My store manager at work had seen something in me that I hadn’t and recommended that I start the options (development) program in Tesco. I thought I would do this while I was figuring out my future.

I learnt quickly and was soon promoted and became full time. An opportunity came up for Tesco to pay for me to study for a foundation degree in retail a year or so later and I was accepted and completed this two-year course alongside my full-time work. Studying felt different this time as I already had a lot of the practical knowledge, I started to enjoy learning the theories and rationale of what I was doing and why I was doing it that way and gave me the courage to challenge things that I thought we could change and improve.

Towards the end of this course, I was also lucky enough to be part of a fast-track academy to become a store manager, the learning and experience I had gained over the last couple of years really supported me to be successful here and I loved my job.

I later decided I fancied a change from retail and was curious to learn new skills and formats, so I went into Distribution as a People Partner (HR). I had no HR qualifications but again was really keen to learn and develop on the job. 5 years later Tesco put me through my HR qualification, and I completed my CIPD experience assessment. This allowed me to gain my qualification on the back of my experiences rather than learning and then going and putting it all into practice.

I would never have been given some of these opportunities had I not already been a Tesco employee as I had no experience or qualifications to do the roles until they invested time, effort and energy and training into me. I feel so lucky for working in an organisation that have given me so much, I was very driven and worked really hard but there were so many people along the way that have helped me, and I am truly grateful for that.

Supporting other people to develop has been one of my biggest passions since I began in a management role. It’s an incredible feeling to see someone grow in confidence and thrive. Choosing the right organisation is key and there are so many great employers out there that offer internal training to really help to support those of us that maybe didn’t get the qualifications we wanted or decided the academic route wasn’t for us. Don’t close yourself off, understand what careers are available within an organisation and how they can support you. Sometimes once you have your foot in the door the opportunities are endless!”

Connect with Gemma on LinkedIn

Survey launch: Impact of GenAI on job-seeking youth

Movement to Work are conducting research with Oxford Insights into the impact of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) on job-seeking young people not in education, employment or training (NEETs).

As part of this research, we are conducting a survey between July 8th – 26th to gather quantitative information on a broad sample of young people.

This research aims to provide insights that will encourage employers to future-proof job opportunities and help prepare NEET youth for the AI-augmented workforce.

We would like to ask our network for help with distributing this survey to those in our target audience.

The survey will focus on young people (16-30 yrs) who are not in employment, education, or training at the time of the survey. The survey will be distributed through Google Forms, and all data will be handled in compliance with GDPR. The survey will involve 3 sections: barriers to employment, attitudes toward and uses of generative AI and demographic information. Participants will be able to opt-in to receive educational resources on generative AI and have the chance to win a voucher.

Please use the following resources to facilitate sharing this survey:

  1. A link to the survey: https://bit.ly/mtw-genai
  2. A printable poster including a QR code linking to the survey: Download now
  3. A scannable QR code that links to the survey: Download now

Partners

Movement to Work, in partnership with the Prince’s Trust and co-sponsored by Accenture UK, Microsoft and GetMyFirstJob, has commissioned Oxford Insights to conduct research and compile findings between June and September 2024. Please stay tuned for the latest news and updates.

For further information on how to get involved, please reach out to: info@movementtowork.com

2024 CEO Summit & Awards : Event Report

On Monday 15th April 2024, Movement to Work hosted its annual CEO Summit in London with more than 100 attendees from 41 organisations. We convened young people alongside leaders from business, government and youth organisations to discuss youth employment and inspire positive action in the year ahead.
The summit was followed by our annual Youth Employability Awards. Here, we welcomed a further 200+ guests to highlight individuals and organisations across the network who have been particularly extraordinary in their efforts to tackle youth unemployment, including amazing young people who are overcoming barriers to work.   
Today we are sharing an overview of our 2024 flagship events, including key learnings and next steps. 
Read event report HERE
 
Download event images HERE
 

 

We welcome your ongoing feedback about the event and how we might continue to work together now and in the future. Please do get in touch if you have any questions about the report and our mission info@movemementtowork.com
 
Thank you to all that were involved to help make for such a special day together, and to everyone who posted on social media in support of our work. It was fantastic to see all your pictures and read your reflections. 
 
We look forward to working with you in the weeks and months ahead!
 
Movement to Work Team

MTW CEO: Let’s forge a brighter future for our young people

Over the bank holiday weekend, I took time to reflect on what was an eventful previous week. We had the announcement of the general election, now just 5 weeks away on 4th July, a wave of election pledges, and the release of some very stark labour market statistics.

As the CEO of Movement to Work, a charity that has spent over a decade tackling youth unemployment, it became clear that we find ourselves in the midst of a polycrisis and I have a responsibility to shout loud for the young people of our nation at this time.

The landscape

The portion of young people furthest from the workplace is growing. The number of NEET (not in education, employment, or training) young people aged 16 to 24 rose to 900,000 from 812,000 a year ago (January to March 2024). The number of economically inactive (not in or looking for work) young people has increased by 297,000 to 3 million, near the highest level since 1992.

The number of opportunities is dropping. Overall, UK vacancies decreased by 26,000 from the previous quarter to 898,000 (February to April 2024), the 22nd consecutive quarterly decline.

Young people are experiencing the most significant challenges. Reflecting on 15 years of data, The Prince’s Trust Youth Index has shown that young people’s happiness and confidence in their mental health is at an all-time low, and one in five (21%) young people in the UK have missed school or work in the past year due to their mental health. We focus on building accessible programmes that not only improve employability but also consider wellbeing and wraparound support, so that young people have the best chance of success.

Overall, the UK Claimant Count for April 2024 rose by 8,900 from the previous month and by 29,300 from the previous year, reaching 1.58 million. Imagine what we could do if we were able to help people off benefits and into contributing to an economy where they can truly thrive.

The future of a country is measured by its young people, and it is clear they need us more than ever. I am calling on the existing and forthcoming government to work with me and my organisation to save a generation.

How we can help

  • Founded by business leaders, Movement to Work has the ability to convene, facilitate and catalyse action through and with employers. Work with us to shape policies that will unlock the potential of business to engage with young people in ways that matter most.
  • We can help put young people at the centre of skills shortages, new industries and NetZero ambitions. We know how to design and deliver programmes that will help train young people with the existing and future skills they need to succeed, helping to embolden the UK workforce with fresh talent and ideas.
  • Alongside businesses, we collaborate with government departments and youth and training professionals to ensure our strategies make sense. We have a ten-year track record of forging quality partnerships that have helped to deliver over 180,000 youth opportunities with over 89% leading to positive outcomes.
  • We offer 100% free support to businesses; all we ask in return is that you join our mission and offer quality opportunities for young people aged 16-30.

What businesses have told us about investing in youth employment strategies: 

  • Diverse ideas, people and skills
  • Stronger talent pipeline
  • Fresh energy and enthusiasm
  • Meaningfully delivering on Corporate Social Responsibility

So, reach out to us today and find out more about what we do. Movement to Work is offering its unrelenting support to any government and any business that is ready to invest in young people and build a fairer society.

As one young programme graduate said, “When you help me, you help those who come after me”. Together, we can unleash so much untapped potential and safeguard our collective futures.

Thank you for reading and I look forward to working with you.

Sareena Bains

CEO, Movement to Work

Connect with Sareena on LinkedIn 

Nominees for 2024 MtW Youth Employability Awards

We are absolutely delighted to announce the following nominees for the upcoming MtW Youth Employability Awards on Monday 15th April!

Huge congratulations to all these incredible nominees, you should all be so proud of yourselves!

2024 MtW Youth Employability Awards – Nominees

Best Newcomer – Employer
  • N Brown Group (JD Williams & Company Ltd)
  • RAF Museum
  • Strive Developments
Best Newcomer – Partner
  • Think Forward UK 
  • YMCA England & Wales
  • YouthBuild Ventures UK
Employer of the Year 
  • BAE Systems
  • Civil Service
  • Department for Transport
  • Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
  • HMRC Debt Management
  • Marriott Hotels
  • NHS
  • Tesco
Mentor of the Year
  • Andrew Smith –  Catch 22
  • Catherine Legg  DWP
  • Claire Robinson  DWP
  • Ellie Fitzpatrick  DWP
  • Elsie Vivian –  MBDA UK
  • Isabel Howden –  Springboard
  • Kirsty Brookes –  DWP
  • Maxine Simpson –  Marriott
  • Naomi Pitt –  DWP
  • Paul Young –  Ministry of Justice
  • Rebecca Slade  –  Springboard
  • Robert Dell –  DWP
  • Sam Meakings –  DWP
  • Sharon Thorpe –  Springboard
Partner of the Year 
  • Ambitious About Autism
  • Bridge of Hope
  • CareerMap
  • Carers Trust
  • Catch 22
  • DFN Project Search
  • Generation UK
  • PeoplePlus
  • The Prince’s Trust
Individual Impact Award
  • Amanda Riley –  Ministry of Justice
  • Angela Buchan –  DWP
  • Angela Burns –  DWP
  • Julie Stone –  DWP
  • Kirsty Brookes –  DWP
  • Marianne Lester –  DWP
  • Marriott HR Team –  Marriott
  • Rachael Cunningham –  Thames Water
  • Sam Meakings –  DWP
Innovator of the Year Award
  • Apprentice Nation
  • Bridge of Hope Careers
  • Bristol Temple Street Movement to Work Team (DWP)
  • Careerscope
  • Carers Trust
  • DFN Project Search
  • Georgina Huntley (Manpower Group)
  • His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
  • Mary Scales on behalf of DWP           
  • Salesforce with Catch 22
  • ThinkForward UK
  • William Holt (DWP)
  • Youth Employment UK
Rising Star Award
  • Calum Hayes –  M&S
  • Chloe Bunce –  DWP
  • Chloe Martin –  Princes Trust for M&S
  • Daniel Zinczenko –  Princes Trust for M&S
  • Dean Lake –  BAE Systems
  • Emma Charles-Wilson –  Accenture
  • Gabrielle Howell –  BAE Systems
  • Gary Graham –  Springboard UK & Diageo
  • Jessica Wiseman –  Accenture
  • Lauren Gibson –  M&S
  • Liam Kelleher –  People Plus & Tesco
  • Mary Pyne –  NHS
  • Naveen Ganesaperumal –  M&S
  • Olivia Horner –  Springboard UK
  • Paige Mitchie –  Tesco
  • Rahima Zakaria Bismillar –  Manpower Group
  • Shane Lee –  M&S
  • Sophie Cooke –  M&S
Breakthrough Star Award
  • Alistair Kemley –  Springboard UK
  • Bradley Hadlington –  DWP
  • Brandon Tattersall –  BAE Systems
  • Burhan Wardak –  M&S
  • Cassie Grant, Jacob Mohammed-Irvine & Katie Billings –  DWP
  • Connor Wise –  M&S
  • Damian Trunchion –  Tesco
  • David Carter –  DWP
  • Elizabeth Samrau – The Prince’s Trust
  • Emily Saker –  M&S
  • Grace Harrison-Volz –  M&S
  • Guled Sudi – The Prince’s Trust
  • Lara Evans –  Princes Trust & M&S
  • Lewis Abel –  M&S
  • Micah Fisher –  Springboard UK
  • Nial McDevitt –  M&S
  • Oran Murphy –  M&S
  • Ryan Welch –  MBDA UK
  • Sophie Pace-Balzan –  Diageo
  • Sophie Rosa Leigh –  M&S
  • Thomas Wan –  BAE Systems
  • Tobi Azeez –  Princes Trust
  • Toni Hollywood –  BAE Systems & The Prince’s Trust

Big thank you to everyone who took the time to submit a nomination, it was a privilege to read your stories.

If you haven’t got a ticket yet, please reach out to the team at events@movementtowork.com and someone will try to help.

Looking forward to seeing you at the event very soon!

 

 

Sareena Bains 

CEO, Movement to Work