Firms urged to join campaign to create more opportunities for young people

East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward is urging employers to become part of a new regional campaign, which calls on businesses to create more opportunities for young people to gain meaningful experience of the workplace.

Forming part of the East Midlands Combined County Authority’s Youth Ambition, Generation East Midlands asks employers across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire to make practical pledges that help young people build confidence, skills and connections while strengthening the region’s 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, who is championing the campaign, 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.” 

EMCCA’s Youth Ambition 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 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 e-mailing pledge@eastmidlands-cca.gov.uk.