Youth Employment UK is delighted to welcome two new Non-Executive Directors to its Board team; Amy Caton (Work Ready Programme Manager at BT) and Barry Fletcher (CEO Career Connect). New colleagues join Youth Employment UK at a key time.
Whilst youth employment has reduced from its 2011 high, young people as a group are still three times more likely to be unemployed than other groups. At times of financial and economic uncertainty they are the highest risk group. Added to this, this year’s cohort of school, college and university leavers are facing an uncertain transition into their next steps. The need for Youth Employment UK’s free online skills, careers and support services could not be more important and in demand.
A critical part of Youth Employment UK’s work this year will be to ensure all organisations hold themselves to good youth employment practice. The Youth Friendly Employer Mark and associated membership support is providing much needed guidance and support whilst recognising those employers who are standing up for youth unemployment.
Amy and Barry will join an expert board which is chaired by Stewart Segal – “We were delighted with the level of interest and quality of applications that applied for our roles. Amy and Barry have been chosen for their experience but also their passion to help us in our mission to tackle youth unemployment. They will make brilliant additions to the team”.
Amy has led the BT Work Ready Programme which has supported 4,500 unemployed 18-24 year olds over the past 5 years. Barry is an experienced leader and non-executive having worked 15 years in the youth and employment sectors. Barry is the CEO of Career Connect a leading careers charity in the North West.
The first board meeting has already been held, where the Youth Employment UK Youth Ambassador Board joined the Non-Executives to share insight and information and set out the plan for the coming months.
The current Covid-19 crisis makes the work of Youth Employment UK even more important and we will work with our partners to support young people through these difficult times.
For more information and full bios of all board members please visit – https://www.youthemployment.org.uk/about-us/team/
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For press inquiries please email – info@youthemployment.org.uk
About Youth Employment UK
Youth Employment UK is an independent, not for profit social enterprise founded in 2012 to tackle youth unemployment.
As experts on youth employment and unemployment, we are ideally placed to understand the complex landscape facing young people, employers and policy makers.
We are actively tackling youth unemployment by:
- Giving young people a voice on the youth employment issues that affect them
- Supporting young people with the skills and careers support they need to progress
- Supporting employers to develop and be recognised for their youth friendly employment practice
- Connecting young people to Youth Friendly Employers
- Providing expert insight across all youth employment policy areas
