Find out all of the winners of the 2021 Youth Friendly Employer Awards presented by the Minister for Employment, Mims Davies MP.
Organisations were invitied to enter the Youth Friendly Employer Awards and provide evidence of how their organisation has met the Good Youth Employment Standards across 2021. Watch the video below to watch the Youth Friendly Employer Awards 2021.
Creating Opportunity Award
This is awarded to organisations who provide opportunities for young people to gain the skills and experiences they need, through meaningful and good quality experiences of the world of work that raise their aspirations, skills, and personal networks.
Winner: ABDO: Careers in Eyecare
The Careers in Eyecare (CiE) campaign from the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) has brought on board a range of industry and professional partners, creating awareness and opportunities for young people. The team have worked to engage employers, STEM ambassadors, other professional bodies, and young people to develop a campaign that shows young people the full range of careers in the sector. The campaign has helped raise awareness and aspirations of young people with support and materials going out to over 8,000 professionals in the sector to help guide them on creating opportunities for young people.
Fair Employment Award
This is awarded to organisations who provide good quality employment opportunities for young people, such as apprenticeships, graduate roles, entry level jobs and supported internships. Offer fair and safe opportunities and rewards in accordance with the highest industry standards.
Winner: Prezzo
Prezzo have recently reviewed their pay and benefits following a staff survey, they have increased pay and introduced new rewards. The introduction of a wellbeing community, mental health first aiders and diversity and inclusion training for all managers.
Recognising Talent Award
This is awarded to organisations who recruit young people based on their ability, talent, and potential, recognising they may have limited experience. Ensure young people from Black, Asian, and ethnic minority groups, as well as those young people from lower socio-economic backgrounds or those with additional needs or barriers are not unfairly excluded.
Winner: Milltech Training
Milltech training offer a person-centred approach to recruitment, working with individuals to assess their skills and abilities first then working which roles fit. They play an active role in working with charities and groups supporting those furthest from the labour market and provide the additional support needed to get young people into quality work.
Developing People Award
This is awarded to organisations who promote the development of young people through on and off the job training and support so they are motivated to take ownership and responsibility for their careers, and they are equipped to progress.
Winner: Essex County Council
Newly formed in 2021 the Entry to Work team have worked to bring all entry routes into one place. There are now 8 clear pathways for young people supporting Apprenticeships, Inclusive Apprenticeships, Graduate, Neuro-diverse Internships, Kickstart scheme, Work experience, Traineeships and Care Leaver scheme. All are supported with clear training and up skilling programmes and have access to regular drop ins and #IAmRemarkable workshops.
Youth Voice Award
This is awarded to organisations who listen to young people. Actively provide opportunities for their voice to be heard within a community or organisation.
Winner: NCS Trust
NCS Trust Youth Voice strategy and vision is centred on ‘Embedding Youth Voice at all levels and ensuring it is authentically part of their culture. The Youth Voice Forum meets regularly to shape projects with co-chairs being Youth Advisors to the NCS Trust Board shaping strategy from the top.
Young Professional Provider of the Year Award
This year’s Young Professional Provider of the Year award goes to a Provider who has led the way in developing a quality skills and careers programme for young people.
Aspiration Training are this year’s winners and are being recognised for their work to embed the Young Professional into their traineeship programme which has proven to build young people’s confidence and aspiration. Aspiration Training are working closely with Youth Employment UK to develop additional resources and insight that can support even more organisations and young people within the network.
Youth Ambassador Special Recognition Award
I am delighted to announce that Amelia has been selected for Special Recognition due to her excellent work in promoting apprenticeships. She has been working at Coca-Cola as an apprentice managing to balance a new and exciting career alongside shining a spotlight on her experiences to help others who might be thinking about an apprenticeship.
Youth Ambassador of the Year Award
It is a pleasure to recognise Ella as the Youth Ambassador of the Year.
Ella has been closely involved with so much of the work of Youth Employment UK this year. She is an active participant in the Ambassador Community and has been able to share and write about her experiences as a young person looking for employment.
About the awards
Mims Davies, Minister for Employment said, “All the fantastic winners deserve huge congratulations for helping to unlock the potential of our future workforce and giving a platform for young people to progress in their careers.
“We in Government have rightly put young jobseekers at the heart of our Plan for Jobs and this passion and commitment is shared by all the nominees who are offering young people a vital opportunity to gain the skills they need to confidently land their next role.”
Laura-Jane Rawlings, CEO & Founder of Youth Employment UK commented, “I would like to congratulate all the winners and to wish them the best of luck for 2022. The Youth Friendly Employer awards recognise the commitment that these organisations have towards supporting young people by creating the employment opportunities, skills, training, and experiences that young people need to progress into quality work; and thrive in their careers.”
