Social impact conference tackling employment challenges faced by Black Country young people

No One Left Behind is back!

The free to attend, social impact conference tackling the challenges young people in the Black Country are facing in the employment market, will take place on Friday 27th of April 2018 at Copthorne Merry Hill from 9:30am.

Aimed at local businesses and employers of all sizes as well as government authorities, training providers and youth organisations, the conference focuses on reaching all those with an interest in the regional employment landscape with the view to inspire, entice and equip the right individuals and organisations with the right tools to tackle youth unemployment and drive the prosperity of our region.

Black Country Talent Match is a 5-year project supporting Young Adults aged 18-29 who have been out of work, training or education for at least 6 months and who require additional support to overcome specific barriers to employment.

The work of Talent Match Black Country and its partners is even more important now, given that the recent data released by the Office for National Statistics positions the West Midlands as having the highest unemployment rate in the country (Regional labour market statistics in the UK: February 2018).

‘No One Left Behind’ is here to listen to the voice of Young People who are at the heart of this project and share their inspirational stories far and wide.

Kim Babb, Project Manager for Black Country Talent Match emphasises that

the conference seeks to bust the myths surrounding youth employment and provide a platform for young people in the areas of greatest need to share experiences with those with the capacity to make a difference. Some young people in the Black Country are living through challenging times and it’s important for us to galvanise all stakeholders to get involved, discuss what works and what doesn’t, and proceed to tackle the problems.”

She adds that the Talent Match Black Country project is approaching a significant 5-year benchmark.

While it is of utmost importance to share achievements and successes, this conference is also about looking forward and the transition towards a more focused approach in the years to come.”

Kirsty McHugh, Chief Executive at the Employment Related Services Association (ERSA) will be delivering a keynote on April 27th and is

delighted to be involved! As an organisation providing employment support to membership nation-wide, our main purpose is to help jobseekers to gain and sustain work and this aligns perfectly with the ethos of Talent Match. Working together and learning from each other’s experiences, by supporting our mutual activities and sharing successes and best approaches with the local employers is key on the road to tackle unemployment in the young demographic.”

Other speakers include Dr Julie Nugent, Director of Productivity & Skills at the West Midlands Combined Authority; Midland Metro Alliance Training & Development Manager, Rose Rees; Professor Peter Wells, director of the Evaluation and Learning Contract for the Big Lottery Fund's Talent Match programme and Helen Scurr, Managing Director of Ark Consultancy.

The conference is sponsored by the Black Country Training Group (BCTG) and Midland Metro Alliance.

If you are interested in making a change, register now to attend the local social impact conference tackling the growing issue of youth unemployment in the Black Country: www.tmbc18conference.eventreference.com

Notes to editor

For further information contact: Madalina Marincas – 01562 731788 / 07835 972689 – events@opening-doors.org.uk Kim Babb – 01902 328973 - Kbabb@bctalentmatch.com

Websites: www.tmbc18conference.eventreference.com www.bctalentmatch.com