Careers conference puts inclusive work experience at the heart of tackling youth unemployment

Careers leaders from educational establishments across the region came together this month to explore how high-quality, inclusive work experience can help tackle employment challenges facing young people across the region.

The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority's eighth annual Careers Conference brought together over 120 careers professionals from schools, colleges, special educational needs (SEND) schools and partner organisations to share best practice and develop new approaches to creating meaningful work experience opportunities for students in Years 7 to 13.

The conference comes at a time of growing national concern over youth employment. The recently published Milburn Report warns that the number of young people who are NEET (not in education, employment or training) could rise to one in six over the next five years.

Organised by the Combined Authority's Careers Hub, the conference highlighted the crucial role that inclusive, high-quality careers education and work experience plays - underlining the importance of ensuring every young person has access to the support, skills and opportunities they need to thrive. Through a programme of keynote speeches, interactive workshops and practical learning sessions, attendees explored how careers programmes can be better tailored to the needs of individual students and improve outcomes for young people.

Careers Leaders also had the opportunity throughout the event to exchange ideas, celebrate successful initiatives and leave with practical tools and resources they can implement within their own educational settings.

Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England said:

"Employers have been clear about the skills, experience and training they need to support investment and growth across our region.

“Through our upcoming Skills Strategy, we are determined to make the West of England the first NEET Zero region in the country, ensuring every young person has the opportunity to build the skills, confidence and experience they need to succeed.

"Collaboration between the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority and careers leaders to create the right systems, support, and opportunities for young people - with clearer pathways into the world of work - is essential to that process."

A keynote address at the conference was presented by Ellise Hayward, a non-verbal motivational speaker with cerebral palsy and EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) Ambassador at Ashton Park School. Drawing on her own lived experience, Ellise understands the importance of creating genuinely inclusive opportunities for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Ellise Hollie Hayward, EDI Ambassador at Ashton Park School shared:

“Every young person deserves the chance to learn, grow and fulfil their potential. Seeing ability before disability, and recognising the talent and potential in every individual is hugely important. My own work experiences have been life-changing, giving me confidence, independence and opportunities despite the daily challenges of living with cerebral palsy.

“Creating truly inclusive workplaces starts with a shift in attitude, a willingness to understand and the confidence to see what someone can do, rather than what they can't. Those small changes can transform lives.”

Evidencing the power and value of such inclusivity on confidence, SEND students from Warmley Park School completed their work experience as part of the conference event team.  Throughout the day, Fern Simmons, Harrison Ainsworth and Summer Hudd provided valuable support with registration, welcoming delegates and collecting evaluation feedback.

By bringing together practitioners working directly with young people, the conference series has helped to ensure regional skills priorities are informed by frontline experience. Many of the themes developed - clearer career pathways, earlier intervention to prevent disengagement, and a stronger focus on work readiness – are reflected in the new West of England Skills Strategy that has been developed.