Event

YouthPath Talent Match @ The NEC: Connecting Young People to Opportunity

YouthPath Talent Match attendees at The NEC, Birmingham
Thu 25 Sep 2025 · The NEC, Birmingham · In person
On Thursday 25th September, Movement to Work partnered with PeoplePlus to host a YouthPath Talent Match at The NEC in Birmingham — designed to connect young people NEET with real job opportunities across the West Midlands.
With over 30 employers and nearly 200 young people in attendance, the event created a powerful space for conversation, confidence-building and career exploration.

This event was part of the wider YouthPath initiative, which has been running across the West Midlands since February. Designed to connect young people with accessible pathways into employment, the campaign continues to grow — thanks to engaged employer partners offering real opportunities in the region.

Partners included Compass Group UK & Ireland, Severn Trent and The Berkeley Group (representing St Joseph Homes), showcasing career opportunities across hospitality, utilities and housing. PGL offered insights into outdoor education roles, and the Aston Villa Foundation introduced their catering and hospitality programme tailored for young people.

By the end of the day, 482 meaningful conversations had taken place, 206 candidates progressed to second-stage interviews, and 5 job offers were made on the spot.

We attended the Talent Match event to support Movement to Work's YouthPath campaign and promote opportunities our Villa Catering Club can provide young people.
Paul Hughes, Senior Programme Manager — Aston Villa Foundation

The Aston Villa Foundation aims to support young people into the hospitality and catering sector with real-life experiences and industry-recognised qualifications — particularly targeting 19–24-year-olds to spark their career journeys in the sector.

Aston Villa Foundation at Talent Match