Burnham urges businesses across Greater Manchester to create opportunities for young people

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham

Greater Manchester leaders are urging businesses to create further opportunities for young people, with a virtual event set to take place this week highlighting how they can help.
 
Registration is now open for the Pledge 5 event, taking place on 21st October from 3pm to 5pm, aiming to provide employers with the chance to understand the challenges facing young people in the region, how they can get involved and how they can pledge their support.  

In May earlier this year, Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham set out his ambition for all big employers in Greater Manchester to register at least five job-related opportunities for young people on the Greater Manchester Apprenticeship and Careers Service (GMACS).

However, businesses of all sizes across the city-region are encouraged to sign up for the event and make pledges. Many organisations across Greater Manchester have already done so much to support young people, this event provides these businesses the opportunity to further engage with the Mayor’s ambition.
 
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: "For me, the question is not 'why should my business do this?' but 'why wouldn't we do this?'. Every young person needs opportunities to help them get ahead - now more than ever - but more than that, this is a chance for employers to get a head start in checking out the talent that will run our businesses and build our economy in the future.
 
"This is a chance to be at the front of the queue in meeting the future innovators, seeing the talent, the energy that our young people can bring to businesses of all kinds and of all sizes across Greater Manchester."
Speakers at the event include:

• Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester
• Diane Modahl, Olympian and Commonwealth Games Gold medallist and Chair of the Youth Task Force
• Professor Robina Shah, Chief Ambassador to Mayor Andy Burnham's Meet Your Future & Bridge GM and Deputy Lieutenant Greater Manchester

Since the start of the pandemic, youth unemployment has risen by 14.6% nationally and boroughs across Greater Manchester have been hit hard as a result of Covid-19. The Young Person’s Guarantee highlighted several concerns from young people including transitions into work and training and concerns around widening inequalities.

Businesses can register here to attend.

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