Progress event will offer employers first-hand experience

Coventry and Warwickshire employers and stakeholders are invited to an event in October to learn more about how they can get involved with 'Progress,' a youth employment initiative aimed at 15-24-year-olds.

The event, at Coventry Transport Museum, Millennium Place, Coventry, on Wednesday 18 October (2-5pm), will engage attendees by inviting them to experience first-hand some of the activities which young people have been doing to improve their chances of finding employment.

Attendees will also be able to meet some of the young people enrolled in the programme, and programme partners.

As well as the interactive sessions, the event will be 'storyboarded' by a local graffiti artist and attendees will be urged to make a pledge about how they will help to inspire or help local young people to achieve.

Progress, which is funded by the Big Lottery Fund and the European Social Fund, works with some of the most marginalised NEET (not in education, employment or training) 15-24-year-olds across Coventry and Warwickshire - those youngsters who are the furthest away from getting into work. It is led by community charity Groundwork UK alongside a partnership of leading youth charities and local partners, including Warwickshire County Council, specialising in engaging young people.

The programme offers tailored, one-to-one support and group work to increase the confidence, self-esteem and well-being of those enrolled, boosting social and personal skills as well as employability.

Charlie, a young person enrolled on the programme said: "If it wasn’t for Progress building my confidence and motivation I wouldn’t have had the confidence to apply for the job I’m in now. I would recommend Progress to any young person that needs help finding their goal in life."

Graham Duxbury, CEO of Groundwork said: "The event on October 18 has been designed to both showcase the success of Progress so far and to engage local employers and stakeholders with how they can make a difference to local young people.

"The vision and passion that young people bring to the table can help to inspire companies to embrace new ideas and technologies and help make positive future-proof changes. We look forward to seeing everyone at the event that aims to be a huge success and ultimately help local young people to achieve their life goals." 

For any local employers or stakeholders interested in joining the event, please register your interest here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/building-better-opportunities-progress-stakeholder-event-tickets-37001249734  or contact progress@groundwork.org.uk.