The East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) has called on employers in Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire to become a part of Generation East Midlands.
Launched on 14th October, the new regional campaign brings employers together to shape the future workforce by creating meaningful opportunities for young people across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.
Pledges of support from employers 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.
The campaign strives to ensure young employees in the future meet the expectations of a business and are well equipped to be an effective member of the workforce.
With around 40,000 young people across the East Midlands classified as NEET – Not in Education, Employment or Training, Generation East Midlands aims to mobilise employers to make practical commitments that help young people understand the world of work, develop confidence, skills and access sustainable careers.
Participating organisations will be asked to make at least one practical pledge, which could include:
- providing work experience or workplace visits
- creating apprenticeships, internships or entry-level jobs
- offering mentoring, coaching or application support
- developing opportunities for young people with SEND
- creating opportunities specifically for young people who are not currently in education, employment or training
- supporting staff to volunteer as careers ambassadors
- building stronger partnerships with schools, colleges and training providers
The commitment from employers should reflect the organisation’s circumstances and strengths, EMCCA says.
EMCCA will work with its regional partners and participating employers to help turn pledges into opportunities and connect them with young people and local providers.
Working with local authorities, schools, colleges, training providers and employment support organisations, EMCCA will help employers turn their pledge into delivery. Support will reflect each employer’s needs and may include introductions to suitable partners, help coordinating dates and referrals, and practical support to address barriers to participation.
The campaign will recognise participating employers and share success stories so effective approaches can be adopted by more organisations across the region. Employer insight will also help EMCCA and its partners understand industry needs and improve how young people prepare for the workplace.
Mayor Claire Ward 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.
“So join Generation East Midlands, open up opportunities for young people and help build the skilled and inclusive workforce our economy needs.”
To find out more or join the campaign contact the team at pledge@eastmidlands-cca.gov.uk to make a pledge or arrange a conversation.
