Plea to Fylde firms to get behind jobs scheme

One of Fylde's biggest employers is urging other firms across the county to join a scheme which aims to create opportunities for workers of tomorrow.
BAE Systems' head of early careers Andy BloorBAE Systems' head of early careers Andy Bloor
BAE Systems' head of early careers Andy Bloor

BAE Systems is calling on employers to join Movement to Work in a bid to help reduce youth unemployment in Lancashire.

It is a voluntary strategic collaboration of employers in the UK aimed tackling youth unemployment through high-quality vocational training and work experience opportunities.

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This week, BAE Systems welcomed other employers from across Lancashire to an event at the Marriot hotel, near Preston, to hear about how Movement to Work has been implemented in the company, with personal stories from some of the young people the programme has helped.

It has been developed by leading employers including BAE Systems, Unilever, Diageo, Marks & Spencer, Tesco and HSBC – together with delivery partners including The Prince’s Trust.

Participating employers make a pledge to offer quality training and work experience to young, unemployed people.

Andy Bloor, head of early careers, Military Air and Information, at BAE Systems: “It is an amazing experience to see these people who enter the Movement to Work programme with very little self-confidence start to believe in themselves again.

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“Following our first cohort in 2014 more and more of our people have wanted to be involved and offer these work experience placements.”

The BAE Systems team hosted companies including Kaman Composites, North West Ambulance Service at the event.

More than 41,000 young people have already taken part in Movement to Work placements around the UK, with 54 per cent going into further education, training or employment.

Victoria Cope, engagement lead for Movement to Work said: “Involvement in Movement to Work is doing the right thing for both your business and the UK’s young people,” added.

“The good news is that Movement to Work is already making a difference. Our message to employers is: ‘We are ready to tackle youth unemployment. Join us.’”