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Youth

Severn Trent Tackles Youth Unemployment in Birmingham with Innovative Recruitment Drive

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Severn Trent, a leading utility company, has launched an initiative to address youth unemployment in Birmingham by hosting a recruitment event at the city's Youth Hub. The event aimed to connect young people with opportunities at the company, providing them with essential skills and confidence to succeed in the workforce.

Key Takeaways:

  • Severn Trent partnered with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) at the Birmingham Youth Hub to help local 18-24-year-olds learn about available jobs and the company's recruitment process.
  • The initiative focused on addressing youth unemployment in Birmingham, where 27,000 young people are claiming unemployment-related benefits, accounting for 9.3% of the city's youth population.
  • The event attracted over 80 young people, who participated in workshops, received help with their CVs and bills, and met with hiring managers. Many participants impressed managers and have moved forward to the next stages of the recruitment process.
  • Megan Aplin, Societal Delivery Manager at Severn Trent, stated that the event was a "brilliant example of collaboration" between the company and the Youth Hub, providing opportunities for young people to kick-start their careers.
  • Severn Trent's wider social impact programme focuses on creating opportunities for people from disadvantaged backgrounds, particularly in areas with high unemployment.
  • The company will run more events through local Jobcentres, including its LEAP programme, a two-day workshop designed to build confidence and get people job-ready.
  • Jason Coke, Youth Hub Work Coach from DWP, emphasized the need for businesses to tap into the untapped talent across the city, particularly among young people who need an opportunity to succeed.

Statistics:

  • 27,000 young people in Birmingham are claiming unemployment-related benefits, representing 9.3% of the city's youth population, compared to 5.6% across England.
  • Over 80 young people attended the recruitment event at the Youth Hub.
  • Severn Trent's recruitment drive includes a LEAP programme, a two-day workshop designed to build confidence and get people job-ready.
  • The company's new contact centre in Edgbaston is recruiting for various roles, and applications are open until Sunday, 13th July.

Sources:

  • "Birmingham Youth Hub" (name of the event)
  • "Severn Trent" (company name)
  • Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) (government agency)
  • Megan Aplin, Societal Delivery Manager at Severn Trent (quote)
  • Jason Coke, Youth Hub Work Coach from DWP (quote)

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