Building Careers Together: Why Partnerships Are Vital For Our Industry’s Future.
Youth unemployment in the UK is currently at its highest level in over a decade, and apprenticeship starts among young people have fallen by nearly a third since 2017/18. Behind those numbers are thousands of people like Olivia, talented, motivated, and simply waiting for someone to open a door. Publicpolicyexchange
We’re proud to have been that door for Wythenshawe resident, Olivia. Thanks to a partnership that shows exactly what’s possible when businesses, housing associations and employment teams work together.
Olivia first came to Wythenshawe Community Housing Group’s Employment team last year, applying for an apprenticeship with them. She didn’t get it, but she made enough of an impression that the team kept her in mind, continuing to support her through their Real Opportunities Scheme as she worked towards her career goals.
A year on, that persistence paid off. When we connected with Wythenshawe’s Community Development team looking for a local resident interested in a Painting and Decorating Apprenticeship, Olivia was the first person they thought of.
Olivia completed a one-week work trial with us, a chance for her to experience the role, and for our team to see what she could do. It didn’t take long to know she was the right fit. She’s now working towards her Level 1 and Level 2 apprenticeship qualifications in Painting and Decorating with us.
Jack Saunders, our Contracts Supervisor, said: “Olivia is a friendly, polite young woman with a fantastic work ethic and a real willingness to learn. We’re sure she has a very bright future ahead of her.”
“A big thank you to Wythenshawe Community Housing Group for recommending Olivia to us and helping create this fantastic opportunity.”
Why this matters beyond one apprenticeship
Stories like Olivia’s are exactly why partnerships matter. No single organisation solves youth unemployment alone, but a housing group spotting potential, an employment team backing it with real support, and a business ready to invest in training? That’s how meaningful opportunities are built.
With the government now pushing to reverse the decline in apprenticeship starts and get more young people into skilled trades, it’s on businesses like ours to make sure those routes into the industry are real, not just policy. Partnerships like this one are how we do our part.
Congratulations, Olivia, we’re excited to see where this next chapter takes you.
