RISE UP Joins Forces with Youth Futures Foundation

We are thrilled to announce that RISE UP has been selected as one of only eight organisations to participate in the Evidence into Action project, led by the Youth Futures Foundation. This incredible opportunity comes at a crucial time for youth employment, as the UK faces a growing youth unemployment crisis, particularly among underrepresented groups.

At RISE UP, we believe that talent is universal, but opportunities are not. As part of this project, we are creating sector-specific working groups to bridge the gap between young people and industries, giving them the tools, experience, and qualifications needed to secure meaningful, sustainable employment.

Our Approach: Pathways into Industry

One of the central aspects of our approach is the sector-specific working groups that we are establishing. These groups are designed to co-create pathways into employment by involving industry leaders in the design and delivery of training programmes. Our goal is to create tailored, accessible pathways that empower young people to thrive in high-demand sectors such as digital technology, construction, and finance.

For example, as part of the Pathways into Digital Tech Working Group, we are collaborating with employers to develop a curriculum that addresses the specific barriers faced by young people from minoritised and marginalised backgrounds. This initiative will not only provide these young people with skills and qualifications but will also give them direct access to the tech sector through internships, mentoring, and paid placements.

By aligning these programmes with industry needs, we are ensuring that participants gain tangible, real-world experience that will set them up for success in their careers.

Why employers should get involved?

This is where employers like you come in. The success of these working groups depends on the active involvement of industry partners who can provide mentorship, training, and job placements for young people. Here’s how your organisation can make a meaningful impact:

1. Shape the Future Workforce: Help us co-design a curriculum that equips young people with the exact skills your industry requires. This is your chance to shape a job-ready talent pool for the future.

2. Champion Social Mobility: By participating, you will actively contribute to breaking down barriers and creating accessible pathways into high-growth sectors like tech and digital. This is your chance to make a real impact on social mobility.

3. Support Diversity & Inclusion: By joining us, you can play a role in enhancing diversity within your industry, providing opportunities for underrepresented young people who might otherwise miss out.

4. Access Fresh Talent: You will gain early access to a motivated, industry-trained group of young individuals who are eager to launch their careers in digital tech.

5. Enhanced Employer Branding: Position your company as a leader in social impact, showcasing your commitment to inclusive hiring and social responsibility.

6. Mentor and Inspire: Your employees will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful volunteering by mentoring young participants, offering valuable guidance, and helping to inspire the next generation.
   

How we’re leading change

As part of the Evidence into Action initiative, we are committed to using evidence-based approaches to continually refine our work and ensure we are meeting the needs of both young people and employers. By fostering collaboration across sectors, we are creating a movement for change that goes beyond training to ensure long-term, sustainable outcomes for young people.

In our Pathways into Digital Tech programme, for instance, we are not just developing a set of training programmes. We are working with employers to co-create a pathway that directly addresses the specific skills gaps within the industry, while offering young people the chance to build meaningful careers in a thriving sector. Together, we can offer these young people the opportunity to thrive in a sector that is experiencing rapid growth and demand for talent.

Join us in creating lasting impact

This is an opportunity to be part of something bigger than just a programme. It’s a chance to contribute to lasting change in the lives of young people, while strengthening your own workforce with fresh, diverse talent.

If you are an employer or organisation interested in joining our sector-specific working groups, we would love to hear from you. Together, we can shape the future of work, ensuring that young people from all backgrounds have access to the opportunities they deserve.

For more information or to get involved please get in touch.