In this guest blog for Skills Federation, Laura-Jane Rawlings MBE DL, CEO & Founder of Youth Employment UK describes how sector skills bodies and employers can get involved in Youth Employment Week, opening up opportunities for young people.
Every year, through our Youth Voice Census, young people tell us what it is like to be a young person in this country – what is working well and what is challenging young people. The Youth Voice Census brings to life the story behind the national youth unemployment and NEET figures and why we continue to see rising economic inactivity.
Our latest 2024 census reveals a troubling picture. The frustration young people feel in the systems around them is palpable, the rising sense of hopelessness especially for those currently within our education system should be sounding an alarm to all of us.
It shows rising levels of anxiety, with our most anxious cohort yet who are worried about their daily lives and their future. Young people tell us of the rising concerns they have about safety where they live and the decline in their sense of belonging or feeling welcome.
Young people want accessible opportunities, they want to be happy and fulfilled in their choices. That is why it is more important than ever that we come together for Youth Employment Week – our annual celebration of young people and those who help them thrive in their journey to work.
It’s a moment to celebrate the employers who are leading the way by opening doors, building inclusive pathways, and creating supportive, empowering workplaces.
Now in its 3rd year, Youth Employment Week returns from 7th – 11th July 2025 with fresh opportunities, resources and insights to help you make an impact. With a spotlight shining heavily on career pathways and opportunities, this is a chance for sector skills bodies, who play a huge role in driving skills development across their sectors, to help drive change.
Our message for employers is that no matter your organisation size, hiring status, time or budget constraints, there are so many ways to get involved and support what is a poignant week in helping to shape the future of youth employment.
Employers and educators play a crucial role in shaping the youth employment landscape, and your role in Youth Employment Week is paramount to its continued impact on the lives of young people.
This year our overarching theme is “Opportunity for All” and we’re asking employers to share their available opportunities, and inclusive employment practices on social media, using the hashtag #YouthEmploymentWeek or #YEW.
We are also offering other ways for employers to get involved, including celebrating the importance of lifelong learning by hosting a lunch and learn or provide peer-to-peer mentoring. You could also showcase the different career pathways available in your company, for example highlighting the ways existing employees have progressed, the skills you’re looking for and the range of careers that make your company what it is. By demystifying pathways to progress, you’re helping to boost young people’s confidence and paving the way for other employers to do the same.
We also want to celebrate success and are encouraging businesses to share your personal or organisational success stories! Put a spotlight on big and small achievements to celebrate success. Perhaps a young employee has completed an apprenticeship, shown initiative, or gone above and beyond in their role. Now is the time to shout loud and proud about the great work happening in your business.
Alternatively, highlight your employees who are leading the way in supporting your young people in work, from your early careers staff to those who may offer their time as a mentor.
This year, we are delighted to announce that Youth Employment Week is proudly sponsored by Barclays LifeSkills, AtkinsRéalis, The Careers & Enterprise Company, West Midlands Combined Authority and NCFE.
Youth Employment Week is the perfect time to share your commitment to supporting the next generation of the workforce.
At Youth Employment UK, we’re incredibly excited to amplify the opportunities of our employer members, share insight and resources for young people and support educators with lesson plans and dedicated materials to make this Youth Employment Week even more impactful than the last.
We do hope you can get involved and help create better opportunities for young people across the UK.
Get your Youth Employment Week Resources.
