We are thrilled to announce the launch of National Employability Week (NEW) taking place 7-11 July, an initiative to empower the next generation of talent.
With the theme of “Unlocking Potential – Inspiring Young Birmingham”, this year’s pilot begins in Birmingham, Europe’s youngest city, where nearly 40% of the population is under 25. This week of events will bring together employers, educators, and business and community leaders to a shared mission of preparing young people for the world of work.
Why Are We Running This Initiative?
For over a decade we have been delivering programmes and initiatives to unlock the potential in young people, helping them build vital life and employability skills to succeed in their chosen career pathway. And why is this needed? In December 2024, an estimated 13.4% of all people aged 16 to 24 years in the UK were not in education, employment, or training (NEET). This equates to approximately 987,000 young people, an increase of 110,000 compared with the same period in 2023. Data from the Department for Education indicates that in 2024, 5.9% of 16- and 17-year-olds in Birmingham were classified as NEET.
Another recent study revealed that 65% of employers believe young job seekers lack the necessary soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. More has to be done to resolve this disconnect between education and employment, and we must do better to support and empower young people!
Join Us to Help Resolve This Challenge
The great news is that there are many leaders and organisations doing, or willing to do, something to address this growing challenge. National Employability Week enables these leaders, changemakers and innovators to come together and start creating a movement that makes a tangible difference.
From hands-on workshops to skills development and the future of work, NEW offers opportunities for young people seeking inspiration and direction. Importantly, it strategically brings together employers and local organisations with a purpose to address the future of employability, with an opportunity to showcase best practice and share innovations that help young people become work ready.
Let’s build a better future together. You can join us as a partner or sponsor and make a real impact on the next generation of talent. All charitable contributions will go towards delivering impactful employability interventions to young people. Partnering in the delivery of NEW can help raise your organisation’s profile, provide important PR opportunities, and enable the development of young talent to enter the world of work with the right skills and confidence.
Learn more on the National Employability Week page.
Foreword from The Rt Hon Robert Halfon, former Minister for Apprenticeships and Skills
“As a lifelong champion of skills, apprenticeships and social justice, I know how vital it is to give every young person the tools and support to climb the ladder of opportunity. I’ve seen how the right guidance and real-world experiences can transform lives.
That’s why I’m proud to support National Employability Week, a brilliant initiative from EmployabilityUK. Through their commitment to Creating Powerful Partnerships between educators, employers and communities, they are opening doors for young people who need it most.
By helping to close skills gaps and connect ambition with opportunity, EmployabilityUK is making a real difference — not just to individuals, but to our economy and society as a whole. I commend the organisation for its unwavering dedication to empowering the next generation.
I urge businesses of all sizes to get involved and support this important initiative — whether through sponsorship, workplace experiences or partnering with schools and colleges. Together, we can build a stronger, fairer future for every young person in the UK.”
