Talent Pledges £120K and over 1,000 Volunteer Hours to Help Combat Youth Unemployment
- Roman Dibden
- May 7
- 3 min read
Talent pledges £120K and over 1,000 volunteer hours to RISE UP in 2025 to help combat youth unemployment.
RISE UP, the pioneering youth employment charity dedicated to breaking barriers and empowering young people into sustainable careers, is thrilled to announce that Talent is continuing its commitment to supporting our mission in 2025.
Building on a strong partnership, Talent has pledged an incredible £120,000 over the next year, alongside over 1,000 volunteer hours from its dedicated team members. This commitment directly supports our work tackling youth unemployment which is now at an 11-year high according to the latest ONS data.
A partnership creating real impact
As a global leader in digital and technology recruitment, Talent understands the urgent need to bridge the gap between young people and the world of work. By partnering with RISE UP, Talent is not only funding transformative programmes but also mobilising its employees to mentor, inspire, and support young people from marginalised backgrounds.
Darren Wells, CEO of Talent, on why this matters:
Youth unemployment in the UK is alarmingly high, and the latest government figures show it’s still rising. Against the backdrop of economic uncertainty and the lasting effects of the pandemic, young people especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds are struggling to access meaningful work opportunities. As a leading recruitment business, we’re in a unique position to make a real difference. With RISE UP, we’re not just providing funding - we’re taking action. We are committed to creating real pathways into employment for the young people who need it most. We hope that our continued support will inspire other businesses to step up and be part of the solution.
Roman Dibden, CEO of RISE UP, calls on businesses to follow Talent’s lead:
This isn’t just a partnership, it’s a statement. It proves that when businesses truly care and use their influence for good, the impact is life-changing.Right now, young people across the UK being locked out of opportunities, not because they lack talent, but because they weren’t born into the right networks. That’s not just unfair, it’s costing us all. Youth unemployment doesn’t just affect individuals, it affects communities, businesses, and the economy as a whole. We need more companies to follow Talent’s lead and put their money, time, and influence where their mouth is. If you’re an employer who genuinely wants to change lives, we’re here to help you do it. Let’s stop talking about the problem and start being part of the solution.
In addition to financial support, Talent is playing an active role in mentoring, skills development, and employer engagement to ensure more young people secure meaningful careers. Their ongoing support will enable RISE UP to:
Deliver industry-led mentoring – offering young people weekly one-to-one guidance from professionals across multiple sectors.
Expand employability training – from interview skills to long-term career coaching, ensuring young people are job-ready.
Develop employer engagement initiatives – helping businesses attract and retain diverse talent from underrepresented backgrounds.
With youth unemployment at its highest in over a decade, RISE UP is calling on more businesses to follow Talent’s example. We know that employers want to make a difference - but often don’t know how. By investing in young people today, businesses can drive real social change while building a more diverse and skilled workforce for the future.
About RISE UP
RISE UP is a UK-based charity dedicated to tackling youth unemployment by equipping marginalised young people with the skills, confidence, and networks needed for sustainable careers. Through mentoring, employability training, and employer partnerships, we empower the next generation to break through barriers and reach their full potential.
About Talent International
Talent International is a leading digital and technology recruitment specialist committed to creating a better world of work. Through meaningful partnerships, social impact initiatives, and inclusive hiring strategies, Talent helps businesses attract, develop, and retain diverse talent across the UK and beyond.
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