Leeds leaders join forces to tackle skills challenges among young people

Social enterprise Ahead Partnership brought delegates together to discuss their roles during an online session chaired by chief executive Stephanie Burras. The group discussed the particular needs of young people and what is needed to help them transition into the world of work.

Leeds City Council leader Coun Judith Blake and chief executive Tom Riordan used the session to encourage stakeholders to work together. The group discussed the importance of a resilient economy, mental wellbeing, and the need to identify adequate training for those struggling to find employment.

Stephanie Burras said: “Our digital session was a great opportunity to allow city leaders from the worlds of local government, education and commerce to come together and consider the clear challenges that we will face as a city in 2021, and look at how we can address them collectively. Something that has been especially encouraging during this challenging year has been seeing the public, private and third sectors all working together to achieve a stronger outcome – something that helps set Leeds apart as a true visionary when it comes to skills.”

Unemployment among young people was identified as the number one priority to address in the coming months and years after research showed that young people have been disproportionately affected by the economic impacts of the pandemic.

Ahead Partnership was founded in 2006 and has helped more than 230,000 young people engage with employers and learn new skills. aheadpartnership.org.uk