Twin Employment & Training

Work Experience Month is one of those initiatives that actually has the potential to shift things, not just sit on a shelf as another campaign.

Because the reality is, too many people still reach the end of training or education without really knowing what work feels like. Not in theory. In reality.

That gap is where confidence drops, opportunities are missed, and potential gets stuck. Work Experience Month directly tackles that. It creates a focused national push to get people into real workplaces, seeing real expectations, and understanding what “good work” actually looks like.

And once someone sees that, properly sees it, something changes. Their thinking changes. Their confidence changes. And suddenly, progression becomes possible in a way it wasn’t before.

As a National Careers Ambassador, I see this time and time again, exposure is everything. You can’t underestimate what happens when someone stops imagining work and starts experiencing it.

This initiative gets that right.'

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For Work Experience Month, we asked Lynsey, our Assistant Director of Education & Skills, to share some thoughts. We'll be sharing them throughout the month, so keep an eye out for more!

📣 Employers Wanted!

Would your organisation be interested in helping a young person gain valuable work experience while benefiting from a fully funded placement?

The Jobs Guarantee Programme covers employment costs for up to six months, giving businesses an opportunity to access motivated young talent while making a real difference.

Interested in learning more?

📧 Email [email protected] and send:

• Your name
• Business name
• Email address
• Industry
• Sector

We'd love to hear from you!

Through the Jobs Guarantee Programme, employers can offer young people valuable work experience while benefiting from a fully funded six-month placement.

We're looking for businesses that are passionate about supporting local talent and creating opportunities for young people to gain skills and experience!

To find out more, email [email protected] with:

✅ Your name
✅ Business name
✅ Email address
✅ Industry
✅ Sector

Together, we can help young people take their first steps into employment.

We loved attending the Midlands Business Network Expo last week!

Last week, we visited the King Power Stadium in Leicester for a busy day of meeting with local employers, training providers and business support organisations. We spent the day expanding our employer network, identifying opportunities for clients and raising awareness of our programmes in Leicester!

Looking back on a fantastic week!

Last week, to celebrate ERSA's Employability Day, we decided to host a whole range of events for participants at both our Leicester and Southwark offices throughout the week.

Check out some of the photos from the events!

Don't Miss Out on Our Business Collaboration Boards!

We're launching a series of Business Collaboration Boards to strengthen strategic engagement with employers across key sectors and regions.

The first session takes place on July 3rd, from 12:00-13:00.

Sign up here: https://loom.ly/KeLK9JY

Meet Esther!

As a single mother with limited English, she was struggling with childcare for her daughter, who is autistic, and lacked confidence in navigating the labour market.

In February, Esther secured full-time employment, but during the half-term, she became stressed when she was unable to secure childcare for her daughter. A chance conversation between Esther and our on-site coordinator Judith led to a new solution, where Esther reached out to her daughter's father to find a middle ground and help with childcare.

The impact was transformational for the whole family!

Esther’s story is a powerful example of how tailored, person-centred support can transform lives far beyond employment alone.

🚨 A “perfect storm” is hitting young people in the UK—and the warning signs are hard to ignore.

New data shows over 1 million 16–24-year-olds are now not in employment, education or training (NEET), which is the highest level in 12 years.

What’s driving this?

• Economic uncertainty slowing hiring
• Entry-level roles disappearing due to automation
• Structural and policy challenges limiting access to opportunity

Behind the numbers are real stories. Young people are applying for hundreds of jobs without success, and facing rejection at scale.

If one in six young people is set to be excluded from work or education within five years, this isn’t just a social issue, but a talent pipeline and economic growth issue.

The question now is not whether action is needed—but how quickly leaders, employers, and policymakers respond.

Bank Holiday Closure

Please note that our UK offices and schools will be closed on Monday, May 25th. Our staff and participants can enjoy a well-deserved break - and hopefully some nice weather!

We will return to the office on Tuesday, May 26th