Wolves Foundation and Aston Villa Foundation have welcomed over 300 young people to ‘Career Kick Off’ events held at Molineux and Villa Park, equipping them with the skills, confidence and connections needed to succeed in an evolving job market.
Sessions included interactive training to develop practical AI and LinkedIn skills, alongside the opportunity to meet a wide range of employers and explore local career opportunities.
Morning sessions welcomed students from years nine, ten and 11, and the afternoon young people aged between 16 and 30 who are not in employment, education or training (NEET).
The events were delivered by youth employment charity Movement to Work in collaboration with Wolves Foundation, Aston Villa Foundation, the West Midlands Combined Authority, Microsoft, LinkedIn, Accenture, the Premier League and the English Football League – all united in their commitment to help more young people build their skills and confidence to take their next steps to employment.
The event at the Foundation was hosted by Wolves Foundation ambassador Amber Sandhu.
Jonathan Warburton, Wolves Foundation’s head of programmes for education, employability and youth engagement, said: “We are delighted to be working closely with so many different partners and to have hosted what is a really important event to support young people into work.
“Helping to equip our participants with essential workplace skills to help connect talent with opportunity, particularly across the digital sector and AI, is part of the Economic Prosperity and Employment pillar of our five-year strategy.
“So much of the Foundation’s work with young people is geared towards helping them access opportunities for training and employment, and to have welcomed so many of them to Molineux to access such high-level professional expertise made for a really worthwhile event.”
Around one million young people in the UK are currently not in education, employment or training (NEET) – equivalent to roughly one in six young people. While youth unemployment is a national challenge, creating local opportunities is key.
Movement to Work has been partnering with the West Midlands Combined Authority for the past two years to bring employers, youth organisations and communities together to create inclusive opportunities and drive lasting change across the region.
The events – which are a great example of this regional collaboration in action, included:
- AI skills training from experts at Microsoft, Accenture and LinkedIn, helping young people understand and use AI and digital networking effectively to explore career options and stand out in today’s job market.
- Networking opportunities with local employers, helping young people build connections and discover opportunities across the region.
- For the 16-30 group, a free 12-month LinkedIn Premium subscription and professional profile photos to help participants make a strong first impression.
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Youth unemployment is one of the biggest challenges our region faces so we must do everything we can to support young people in their search for a rewarding career.
“Helping them to build confidence and experience in how to search and apply for a job can be just as important as the training and qualifications, especially now that AI is rapidly changing the application and recruitment process.”
The West Midlands has the third-highest NEET rate among 16- to 24-year-olds in England and is one of eight regions selected as a Youth Guarantee Trailblazer area, recognising the need for innovative approaches to help young people overcome barriers to work.
With the latest figures showing that 69,335 people aged 18–29 in the West Midlands are currently NEET, initiatives such as these play an important role in connecting young people with the support, advice and opportunities they need to move towards jobs, apprenticeships and training.
Charlotte McGrath, CEO of Movement to Work added: “Young people deserve the opportunity to work and fulfil their potential, but the first step can be the hardest.
“With many of our industries and businesses in need of talent and around one million young people currently not in education, employment or training - we cannot afford to leave their potential on the sidelines.
“Working alongside the West Midlands Combined Authority and partners across the region, we’ve seen what is possible when employers come together with a shared purpose.”
