YEUK- Youth Friendly Campaign!

Youth Employment UK is a Campaigning & Membership organisation that was founded in 2012 by Laura-Jane Rawlings to tackle youth unemployment.


YEUK was set up to join up the dots in the youth employment space – there is so much happening for and with young people, but without coordination some of that excellent work gets lost or worse still young people cannot access it. I see YEUK as a ‘pyramid’; it connects businesses, supporters and young people.


I decided to be a youth ambassador as I am a young person who has first-hand experience of the catch-22 situation. I am enthusiastic, have qualifications coming out of my ears but I am lacking in the ‘experience’ that employer are looking for. The role of the YEUK youth ambassador, is indicative to a young person’s personal career goals; therefore, if a YEUK youth ambassador has the skill set and would like to own their own business they are aligned according. I have a strong interest in careers and recruitment and this is why I work on the Chance to Shine project. I also help with careers advice with the other YEUK youth ambassadors; create info- graphic training materials and CV direction.


Currently, we are running a campaign called #YouthFriendlyMP. This is where YEUK supporters are being ‘called to action’ to try and get their local MP to become youth friendly. This would involve MPs agreeing to commit to two ‘youth friendly activities’. This could be running CV workshops, supporting employers to recruit apprentices, careers talks or networking events plus many more! From this they would receive a Youth Friendly Badge. Everyone would know that they are committed to resolving youth unemployment issues in their area. It is about creating a youth friendly network, free of cost for government.


I have met with my local MP, Robin Walker, and it was interesting finding out about the projects he is already undertaking to support young people in the area. As a young person, I did not know about these. Being a supporter YEUK is a good way to promote these activities. All MPs will be invited to attend an event on the 9th July to find out more about the project and the benefits for young people in their area.


Any company of any size can get involved with the Youth Friendly badge, if you want to be seen as someone who helps young people then it is a great thing to have. It is absolutely free and easy to apply for. Visit http://www.yeuk.org.uk/youthfriendly/ for more information.


16-24’s can get in touch and ask YEUK anything and we’ll help in whatever way possible. They can pick up the phone and call the office, through the email addresses on site and also through the NEW forum onsite. Tweet us, Facebook us too! Plus each month in the e-mag we list events where young people can attend for free and meet the team/the CEO or both. We are always looking for ambassadors!