At a time of increasing economic volatility and changing demands for education and skills, many young people are struggling to navigate their way. All young people need help in progressing to jobs and careers that enable them to contribute to society and lead fulfilling lives. But shifts in the labour market are exacerbating existing inequalities, disproportionately affecting young people from minoritised communities, those with SEND and those from lower socio‑economic backgrounds. Young people from these groups face considerable risks, with school leavers significantly more likely to become NEET and higher education students less likely to secure graduate level employment. At the same time, employers are facing labour shortages in key areas, as well as challenges in recruiting young people to entry level positions.

Schools, Colleges, Higher Education Providers (HEPs), Employers, Public and Third Sector organisations all attempt to address these issues. However, stark inequalities in available support persist from primary and secondary education, through post 16 and Higher Education. Provision remains fragmented with individual organisations lacking the resource to support young people in a systematic way, negatively impacting their chances to gain appropriate employment on completing post 16 and HE courses.

This cross-sectoral conference will bring together Higher Education Providers, Post Sixteen providers, Employers, Public and Third Sector organisations to consider collaborative approaches that can redress inequalities in provision, and more effectively support currently underserved young people to progress to meaningful employment. The focus is on exploring practical strategies that facilitate more equitable access to careers education, advice and guidance (CEIAG) and progression to employment.

Keynote Speakers and Panelists

• Professor Hugh Lauder, Professor of Education and Political Economy, University of Bath
• Rachel Macintosh, Director of Employability, Aston University
• Dr Arti Saraswat, Senior Policy Manager, Association of Colleges
• Dr Elnaz Kashef, Director of Policy, Research and Impact, Futures For All
• Shaid Parveen, Associate Dean for Development and Engagement (LSS), Aston University
• Belinda Brown, Senior Community Specialist, Coventry Building Society
• Dr Vicky Cockerill, Head of Associate and Enhanced Healthcare Practice (with Navjot Kaur Virk, Head of Midwifery) University of Derby

There will also be cross-sector presentations and workshops with opportunities to share ideas and approaches to collaborative work with employers, HEIs, colleges, schools and third sector providers.

Registration fees:

NERUPI members: £100

Non-members £200

The deadline for bookings will be 18th June. Please note that we will not be able to refund payments after this date.