Every young person in West Yorkshire will be guaranteed a work experience placement by the time they turn under a new pledge unveiled by Mayor Tracy Brabin.
The commitment forms part of the region’s new “West Yorkshire Promise”, launched at Bradford College on Wednesday as part of a wider strategy aimed at improving opportunities for young people aged 14 to 24.
The initiative comes amid growing concerns about youth unemployment and disengagement from education. A recent national report warned that a lack of work opportunities and practical experience risks creating a “lost generation” of young people.
Under the scheme, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority has pledged to work with secondary schools, colleges and employers to double the number of young people receiving meaningful work experience over the next three years. The first phase of support will focus on young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, those with additional needs and those considered most at risk of dropping out of education.
Alongside guaranteed work experience, the West Yorkshire Promise includes commitments to increase access to apprenticeships, provide more real world skills training and improve mental health support for young people.
The launch was held in Bradford, which has seen significant progress in reducing the number of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET). In 2022-23, 6.8 per cent of 16 to 17 year olds in the district were classed as NEET. That figure has since fallen to around 4 per cent, below the national average of 5.8 per cent.
Speaking at the launch, Ms Brabin said: “Talent is everywhere in West Yorkshire, but opportunity isn’t. Where you come from shouldn’t decide how far you can go, and that is at the heart of our West Yorkshire Promise – a fair chance to flourish for every young person, no matter their background or postcode.” She added: “We will guarantee real work experience alongside the apprenticeships, skills training and mental health support our young people need to not only survive but thrive.”
Chris Webb, the CEO and Principal of Bradford college welcomed the announcement, saying every young person deserved both opportunity and support. He said: “By guaranteeing meaningful experiences of the workplace, alongside the skills, support and confidence young people need, we can help unlock talent across our region and turn aspiration into real career pathways.”
The Combined Authority says the strategy is designed to ensure more young people can move successfully into employment, training or further education while helping businesses develop a future workforce.
The program is set to run on four main commitments:
- Guaranteed work experience for every young person
- Easier access to apprenticeships
- Practical skills for future careers
- Health support to help young people
