Social mobility is everyone’s responsibility, and together with our partners, LTSB is working to transform young lives. Every young person deserves the chance to enter the workforce and build a meaningful career. But today, the reality is that far too many are left behind.
The growing number of young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) is now at crisis point. LTSB welcomes the recent Milburn Review, that warns of a ‘lost generation’ of young people and highlights the need for wider reform.
The figures are increasingly alarming, and for young people facing disadvantage, they are another stark reminder that the future can’t wait. For example:
- Youth unemployment is now at an 11-year high.
- Career opportunities are not distributed evenly, with those from privileged backgrounds around 60% more likely to get a professional job.
- Today, one million 18-24 year olds are NEET. This equals one-in-eight young people.
- Almost half of 24-year-olds who are NEET have never had a job, and,
- The UK is expected to have 1.25 million NEET young people in the next five years.
The NEET crisis is a challenge to be addressed through partnership. LTSB is taking action, but no one can do this alone. We work with many young people who are talented, ambitious and hugely motivated to get a job. All they need is access to support and opportunity; and that’s where we come in.
We are proud and very fortunate to work with our incredible corporate partners, funders, volunteers and supporters. Together, we are helping young people grow in confidence, access opportunities, build networks and take their first steps into sustainable careers. We see first-hand that when talent meets opportunity, young people can take control of their futures.
Last year*, 525 young people successfully completed our programmes, and 173 were placed in career-focussed roles. More recently, 35 LTSB alumni secured apprenticeships with NatWest.
LTSB Alumna Olivia recently told us:
“LTSB were a key factor in helping me secure my role. They helped me understand how to present myself professionally while still being myself … When I took part in mock interviews with LTSB, the support and encouragement I received helped me develop confidence and access opportunities that led me to the career I’m in today.
“Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to volunteer and support mock interviews for young people across different regions of the country. It’s been really rewarding to pass on advice and experiences that once helped me. Something that may seem simple to professionals can make a huge difference to a young person who is trying to navigate the start of their career.”
By working together to break down barriers to opportunity, we also take valuable steps towards creating workplaces that are more inclusive. Employers gain valuable access to emerging talent who may bring fresh perspectives and skillsets, such as digital fluency. Young people have the chance to fulfil their potential and begin their careers.
This Social Mobility Day, we say Thank You to every business, funder, volunteer and supporter who works with us to drive vital change. We also call on our community to support us by sharing your own stories, because stories matter!
My First Job
What’s your story? LTSB’s #MyFirstJob campaign is the perfect way to celebrate all our journeys. Many of us have overcome barriers, taken unconventional paths, or benefited from opportunities that helped us get to where we are today.
By sharing our stories, we can empower others, because there is no ‘right way’ to get into work. Please click here to find out more.
