Businesses pledge support for young people at employer summit

Businesses representing Derby’s key sectors have pledged to support youth employment at a summit organised by Derby City Council.

Employers from the worlds of education, construction, engineering, sport and leisure converged on Derby County’s Pride Park Stadium earlier this month for the Derby Promise Employer Summit.

They were encouraged to explore ways to connect with and create opportunities for the city’s young people.

Supporting youth employment by raising aspirations and providing opportunities is at the heart of the council’s Derby Promise.

The programme, now in its third year, offers a full careers and enrichment programme through a wide range of events, resources for schools, employment and skills opportunities and industry-led projects within school settings.

Some of the employers already working with the Derby Promise, including Rolls-Royce and Derby County, explained to the summit how creating employment opportunities for young people had sent a ripple effect of benefits into the wider business community.

They shared examples of young people who joined their apprenticeship and supported internship programmes, flourishing in their roles and going on to secure permanent employment.

At the recent Derby Promise Roots Youth Summit, young people were asked what opportunities would make the most difference to their future, and what they would like local employers to understand about them and their aspirations.

Their feedback was translated into colourful illustrations, which were presented at the summit, with employers asked to respond with pledges of action.

These ranged from improving access and understanding around young people with SEND, to providing more sports-related career opportunities and pathways to digital careers.

Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, the city council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for children, young people and skills, said: “There’s a shared drive to broaden horizons for Derby’s young people, encouraging them to pursue skills and employment that will enable them truly to thrive.

“There’s also an awareness that not all children grow up with the same opportunities and support; we want to – and will – go that bit further to ensure no young person is left behind or misses out on the chance of a rewarding future.”

To learn more about the Derby Promise click here.