Celebrating the Success of “Exceptional Progression Programme” in Tackling Youth Unemployment
Birmingham, 18 September 2023 — In response to the urgent challenge posed by rising youth unemployment rates, BMet, a prominent further education college in Birmingham, collaborated with Empowered Youth, a renowned youth skills development Academy, on an innovative solution.
The “Exceptional Progression Programme,” a joint initiative between BMet and Empowered Youth, was introduced to equip young individuals with the skills and mindset needed to overcome these challenges and secure a more promising future.
Addressing the Youth Unemployment Challenge:
The programme was launched in light of the escalating youth unemployment rates, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. As of February 2020, the youth unemployment rate for those aged 18-24 was at 6.3% in Birmingham and 6.1% in the West Midlands. However, by March 2021, these figures had surged to 11.6% in Birmingham and 11.5% in the West Midlands, marking an increase of over 5%.
Taking into account economically inactive young people not actively seeking employment, the youth unemployment rate soared to a staggering 20% in Birmingham as of April 2021. The pandemic had disrupted education and employment opportunities, leaving many young people uncertain about their future prospects.
Empowered Youth’s Innovative Solution:
Recognising the urgency of the situation, BMet partnered with Empowered Youth, an award-winning youth skills development Academy. Together, they introduced the “Exceptional Progression Programme,” which took place over a two-day boot camp at BMet’s James Watt Campus in September 2023.
Empowered Youth’s expertise in developing, delivering, and reporting on youth skills training programmes played a vital role. The programme aimed to instil a “willingness-to-learn” among 70 BMet students, bridging the gap created by disrupted education and low motivation. It successfully re-engaged students with their studies, bolstered their mental health and self-esteem, and equipped them with tools for success in a rapidly evolving job market.
The programme bore witness to an inspiring journey of transformation among the students. What began with an initial cohort of 66 students evolved into a highly engaged group, with each passing day solidifying their commitment to surmount challenges and strive for excellence.
One of the programme’s standout moments was the unexpected enthusiasm displayed by the students. Despite initial expectations, the entrepreneurship ideas pitching sessions and employability mock interviews drew remarkable participation. This demonstrated the students’ determination to explore new horizons and seize opportunities.
Jan Myatt, representing BMet, commented, “The ‘Exceptional Progression Programme’ demonstrates our commitment to addressing the pressing challenges of youth unemployment. Collaborating with Empowered Youth allowed us to provide a comprehensive and impactful solution tailored to the needs of our students.”
Dene Botha, on behalf of Empowered Youth, remarked, “‘Exceptional Progression’ underscores our shared dedication to nurturing resilient and self-assured young individuals. Through this partnership, we paved the way for positive change and long-term success for Birmingham’s youth.”
This innovative partnership between BMet and Empowered Youth highlights their dedication to equipping Birmingham’s youth with the skills and mindset necessary to navigate the challenges of the post-pandemic landscape. By offering targeted academic support, personal development, and empowerment, the program reshaped the future trajectories of young individuals, enabling them to flourish in a competitive job market.
