Take 5: Phil Smith CBE, Chair Skills England, Episode 2, Youth Guarantee

In this episode of Take Five, we are joined by Phil Smith, Chair of Skills England, to explore the Government’s Youth Guarantee and the recent announcements aimed at reducing youth unemployment and expanding access to apprenticeships.We discuss the strategic ambition behind the Youth Guarantee, the role employers can play in creating more opportunities for young people, and the new incentive structures designed to support businesses in recruiting and developing early-career talent. The conversation focuses on how employers can respond to these changes and what this means for workforce planning and long-term skills investment. This episode provides practical insight into the direction of travel for skills policy and the opportunity for employers to take a leading role in shaping the future workforce. You can read the Government’s announcement on the Youth Guarantee and new employment drive here:https://www.gov.uk/government/news/major-employment-drive-to-help-unlock-200000-new-jobs-and-apprenticeships-for-next-generationEmployers interested in contributing to the development of Skills England’s Expert Groups can express interest through relevant sector or membership bodies, including The 5% Club, or by contacting Skills England directly at: [email protected] find out more about The 5% Club and how to get involved, visit: https://www.5percentclub.org.uk