M&S Training Scheme Highlights the Need for Youth Career Pathways

See link: M&S launches new traineeship for 1,000 young people - BBC News

Marks and Spencer is launching a paid training scheme for 16 to 24-year-olds, creating 1,000 places across the UK and Ireland over the next 18 months.

The scheme aims to help tackle rising youth unemployment, particularly among young people not in employment, education or training, known as Neets. Official figures show more than one million young people are currently Neets, the highest level in over 12 years. A recent review warned this could worsen without action, pointing to factors such as Covid-19, health issues, smartphones and a shrinking number of entry-level job opportunities.

The M&S scheme reinforces the importance of initiatives like ONYX Academy. With youth unemployment and the number of young people not in education, employment or training continuing to rise, there is a clear need for programmes that bridge the gap between education and the workplace. ONYX Academy supports this by helping young people develop practical skills, gain confidence and access meaningful career pathways, ultimately unlocking potential and building futures.