In July we hosted our quarterly Youth Action Forum (YAF), this time together with our partners at the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA). The event brought together employers, partners and young people from Liverpool and other areas, to discuss and design inclusive, effective pathways to work for NEET young people.
We were delighted to welcome Rt Hon Alan Milburn, former Health Secretary and author of the ongoing independent review into Young People and Work, to the event. Alan shared his reflections on the scale of the youth unemployment challenge in the UK and the importance of collective action to improve opportunities and create clear pathways for those struggling to get into work.
He also joined a panel discussion on the importance of place-based approaches, including YouthPath — our initiative currently running in partnership with Combined Authorities in the LCRCA, Greater Manchester and the West Midlands — which seeks to engage, inspire and support employers within a region to create meaningful opportunities for local young people. And through our network of youth organisations, connect them to young people facing barriers to work and ready for those opportunities.
The panel also included Andy Frith from LCRCA, Chris Whitehead from PGL Travel, Gareth Ellis-Roberts from United Utilities and Ellie Garlick, a Movement to Work Youth Ambassador who undertook a work experience placement and now works at the Department for Work and Pensions. The discussion showcased how employers and partners are working together to create high-quality work experience and employment opportunities across Liverpool City Region.
The afternoon focused on improving recruitment experiences for young people facing barriers, with employers and partners taking part in interactive discussions on how interview processes can become more inclusive and supportive. Based on these discussions and expert input, we’re creating a guide for our employers to help them implement these inclusive practices in their interview processes.
Once again, the Youth Action Forum demonstrated the impact of bringing organisations together to share ideas, challenge existing approaches and create practical solutions that help more young people access opportunities.
If you would like to learn more about Movement to Work and our YouthPath initiative, please contact info@movementtowork.com
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