East Midlands campaign encourages businesses to support young people
Businesses across Chesterfield and the wider East Midlands are being encouraged to create more meaningful opportunities for young people through a new regional workplace experience campaign.
Generation East Midlands is calling on employers to help young people gain valuable workplace experience and learn more about the career opportunities available across our region.
Championed by East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward, the campaign is asking businesses to consider how they can support young people through opportunities including:
- Work experience
- Workplace visits
- Mentoring
- Apprenticeships
- Entry-level jobs
- Interview support
By offering these opportunities, businesses can help young people discover careers they may not have considered and better understand the skills and opportunities available across different sectors.
Mayor Claire 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.
Chesterfield businesses already play an active role in supporting young people through initiatives including Made in Chesterfield, work experience placements, apprenticeship opportunities and direct engagement with schools and colleges across town.
The campaign forms part of the East Midlands Combined County Authority’s (EMCCA) Youth Ambition programme, which aims to support young people across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
Around 40,000 young people across the East Midlands are currently not in education, employment or training, highlighting the importance of creating opportunities that can help young people take their next steps into education, training or employment.
Generation East Midlands is bringing together local authorities, schools, colleges, training providers and employment support organisations to strengthen links between young people and employers across our region.
A webinar for employers is planned for October, with further details to be announced. Businesses can register their interest in taking part in the campaign or pledge their support by contacting pledge@eastmidlands-cca.gov.uk
Interested in receiving updates on opportunities to engage with future talent and support for hiring an apprentice? Sign up to receive regular communications: www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/skills/skills-and-employability-newsletter-signup/
