Help tackle youth unemployment

Youth unemployment is an issue that threatens the hopes of an entire generation as well as our whole economic well being.

Talent Match is a new Big Lottery funded programme which promises to help the very hardest to reach young people make the most of their skills and ambitions.

The programme will support 18-24 year olds who have not been in employment, education or training (NEET) for 12 months or more, and who face substantial barriers to entering the workforce, enabling them to gain the confidence and experience they need to become work ready.

Business in the Community (BITC) is working in a partnership led by Greater Manchester Centre for Voluntary Organisation, along with New Economy, Greater Manchester Youth Network, private sector employers (The Co-operative Group and Addleshaw Goddard), Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Manchester Employment and Skills Partnership, to work up local solutions to tackle this nationwide problem. BITC is calling on companies to open up their eyes to young untapped talent and to provide practical interventions for young people which will be integral to the success of the programme and to their future.

Michael Fairclough, Head of Community and Campaigns, The Co-operative Group, said: “We believe that young people are a huge asset to Greater Manchester. As one of Greater Manchester’s largest employers we are, therefore, delighted to be participating in the Talent Match Partnership and working together with young people themselves to harness their talents. We are committed to offering a range of opportunities and work related activities which will support Talent Match participants, particularly those young people who face the biggest barriers to employment”.

Businesses and other employers can get involved in three main ways:

1. Join the Champions Group. If you are committed to employing young people and want to act as an ambassador then you can join the Champions Group:

• Meet for two hours bi-monthly 
• Represent the voice of the employer 
• Pledge to spread the message about the benefits of employing young people 
• Provide support to generate case studies and guides to best practice 

2. Make a Pledge. Get involved by pledging to deliver practical interventions for young people, such as:

• Pre-employment help, for example, training/advice or employability workshops 
• Networking experiences, for example, open days/events, or tours of your business 
• Development opportunities, for example, work placements/taster sessions or job interviews 
• If you already work with young people, let BITC know of any opportunities you already offer which young people can access 

3. Advice and Support

If you would like to work with more young people, but don’t know where to start, BITC can offer you guidance on how to make your organisation and recruitment practices more inclusive. BITC staff are committed to supporting you in any activity you would like to deliver, and will work with you to decide what options would best fit your company's’ needs.

For more information on getting involved contact Heather Dolan at heather.dolan@bitc.org.uk or call 0161 233 7750.