How Inclusive Work Experience Can Combat Youth Unemployment: Insights from the West of England Careers Conference

Careers leaders from educational establishments across the West of England region came together this month to explore how high-quality, inclusive work experience can help tackle employment challenges facing young people.

The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority's eighth annual Careers Conference brought together over 120 careers professionals from schools, colleges, special educational needs (SEND) schools, and partner organisations. They shared best practice and developed new approaches to creating meaningful work experience opportunities for students in Years 7 to 13.

The conference comes at a time of growing national concern over youth employment. The recently published Milburn Report warns that the number of young people who are NEET (not in education, employment or training) could rise to one in six over the next five years.

Organised by the Combined Authority's Careers Hub, the conference highlighted the crucial role that inclusive, high-quality careers education and work experience plays. Attendees explored how careers programmes can be better tailored to the needs of individual students and improve outcomes for young people. Careers Leaders also exchanged ideas, celebrated successful initiatives, and left with practical tools and resources.

Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England said:

"Employers have been clear about the skills, experience and training they need to support investment and growth across our region. Through our upcoming Skills Strategy, we are determined to make the West of England the first NEET Zero region in the country, ensuring every young person has the opportunity to build the skills, confidence and experience they need to succeed."

A keynote address was presented by Ellise Hayward, a non-verbal motivational speaker with cerebral palsy and EDI Ambassador at Ashton Park School. Drawing on her own lived experience, she emphasised the importance of creating genuinely inclusive opportunities for young people with SEND.

Evidencing the power of inclusivity, SEND students from Warmley Park School completed their work experience as part of the conference event team. Fern Simmons, Harrison Ainsworth, and Summer Hudd provided valuable support with registration, welcoming delegates, and collecting evaluation feedback.

By bringing together practitioners working directly with young people, the conference series has helped ensure regional skills priorities are informed by frontline experience. Many of the themes developed—clearer career pathways, earlier intervention to prevent disengagement, and a stronger focus on work readiness—are reflected in the new West of England Skills Strategy.