New scheme launched to support Mayor’s mission to tackle youth unemployment

Young people who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET) are set to benefit from a new scheme designed to get them into work.

YouthPath – which has been launched by charity Movement to Work and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) – will work with businesses to create effective career paths for NEETs.

It is the latest initiative to be set up in support of West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker’s mission to tackle youth unemployment.

More than 987,000 young people in the UK are classified as NEET with the West Midlands having some of the highest numbers in the country. Areas like Wolverhampton, Walsall, and Birmingham have rates that are double the national average.

At a YouthPath launch event in Birmingham (on Wednesday February 26), the Mayor told employers and other organisations about his wider Youth Employment Plan, which aims to create 20,000 opportunities for young people over the next few years.

The Mayor met also met Katie Stansbie who spoke about her inspirational journey from being NEET to building a successful career in retail with M&S through the Marks & Start programme.

Katie Stansbie, with West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker and Sareena Bains, CEO of Movement to work at the YouthPath launch event

The Mayor, who is also chair of the WMCA, said: “I left school at 16 and went straight into work but was lucky enough to get the support and encouragement I needed to start out on a new career path. I want every young person to have the same opportunity I had so they can get ahead in life.

“It’s why I’m committed to creating 20,000 training, work experience and apprenticeship placements. We’ve already created 5,000 but there is still more to do and I’m calling on employers to work with me to help drive down youth unemployment.

“It’s only by working together that we can give young people the opportunities they deserve." 

Sareena Bains, CEO of Movement to Work, along with key employers and partners, discussed the importance of working together to create opportunities through the YouthPath campaign.

Attendees at the launch event heard from Katie who, reflecting on her experience, said: “I’m so grateful to have completed the Marks and Start programme, it has given me full time employment, financial independence and a new sense of purpose and self-confidence.”

Commenting on the YouthPath partnership, 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. By joining YouthPath, West Midlands business leaders can help shape a brighter future for our region’s young people.”

Emma Taylor, chief people officer at Tesco added: “The YouthPath Campaign will give thousands of young people the opportunities and skills to kickstart their careers.

“At Tesco, we are passionate about helping young people learn the skills that will set them up for life – particularly in communities where opportunities are not always easy to come by.

“This year we’ll again be running our Stronger Starts Retail Apprenticeship, offering hundreds of young people, including those from the West Midlands, the first step on the path to an exciting and rewarding career in retail.”

Jonathan Townsend, UK Chief Executive of the King’s Trust and Member of Movement to Work Steering Group, added: “We're delighted that YouthPath is committed to supporting young people across the West Midlands who are not in work, education or training.

“Young people currently face multiple challenges to get into work, and for those who already face disadvantage, there are more barriers to success.

“At The King’s Trust we know that with the right help and opportunities young people can reach their aspirations. Being supported into employment can enable them to increase their confidence, self-worth and reach their full potential.”

Employer engagement sessions will take place over the coming weeks. Interested businesses and organisations are invited to pledge their support and join a growing network committed to creating pathways into work for young people.

For more information about the YouthPath Campaign or to get involved visit the YouthPath webpage.

Visit the WMCA website for more about the Mayor’s Youth Employment Plan and Employer pledge.