Severn Trent has announced a major new initiative to create 400 high-quality work experience placements for care-experienced young people across the Midlands.

Over the next four years, Severn Trent and other Midlands businesses will open their doors to offer 400 meaningful employment opportunities - with the ultimate aim to see more young people into work, and out of risk of poverty.

It comes at a time where the number of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) is nearing one million – the highest in a decade.

The company will directly offer 100 of the 400 placements, taking on 25 per year over the next four years - with the remainder created in partnership with other employers across the region.

Over the same time, Severn Trent will also create job pathways for at least 200 for individuals facing barriers to employment – such as those who are care experienced, long-term unemployed, or potentially with a criminal conviction.

Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones said: “Severn Trent’s commitment to helping people into work—especially those facing the toughest barriers like care leavers and ex-offenders—is a powerful example of how business can drive real change in our communities and build an economy rewards everyone’s hard work.”

The announcement builds on the successful completion of its recent work preparedness programme led by Severn Trent– where 33 young care experienced people joined Midlands based businesses for a two-week work experience, resulting in full time jobs for some.

Neil Morrison, HR Director at Severn Trent said: “We’re incredibly proud to be launching this initiative. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that every young person leaving care in the Midlands has access to a meaningful work experience opportunity. We know businesses can be a force for good when it comes to creating jobs and employment opportunities. We must continue to work together for those living in our region and give people the opportunity to reach their true potential.”
It means Severn Trent is now committed to creating 2,000 work experience placements in total for young people over the next four years – including those care experienced. The company recognises that those who have access to work experience are six times more likely to avoid becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training).

To support with placements, the company will look to its Midlands Employer Alliance, a coalition of over 20 like-minded businesses in the Midlands that are working together to drive inclusive recruitment and help move barriers to work.

This announcement builds on the company’s wider commitment to support 100,000 people in the Midlands through its 10-year social impact strategy, now in its second year.

The company has been focussed on creating tailored recruitment through partnerships with local job centres, mentoring programmes in prisons, accessible entry routes for apprenticeships and jobs, hosting jobs fairs as well as school engagement.

Its efforts in driving meaningful social impact have been recently recognised, as the company is now named a Gold Level Member by the Social Recruitment Advocacy Group (SRAG).