Enabling young people to achieve their full potential – Ahead Partnership
Ahead Partnership is a Leeds-based social enterprise operating across the country for the last 20 years with the purpose of enabling young people to achieve their full potential regardless of background.
The organisation was born out of the realisation that employers can play a vital role in bridging the gap between the school curriculum and the needs of specific sectors, as well as helping to support young people from some of the most challenging backgrounds.
Our programmes are designed to support young people, particularly those facing barriers such as underrepresentation or disability, to reach their full potential, as well as broadening their access to opportunity across key growth sectors. By engaging early on in the education system and collaborating with both the public and private sector, our programmes:
- Improve young people’s employability skills
- Build a strong pipeline of future talent
- Help to address skills gaps across different regions and sectors
- Promote inclusive growth
- Lift the lid on the world of work for young people who might not have access to work experience opportunities or networks
Running programmes for businesses across key sectors such as sustainability, built environment, professional services and digital, Ahead Partnership has given 125,000 young people in Leeds alone access to interactive and memorable careers and skills events. Our programmes provide workshops, mentorship and hands on experience that equip young people with the knowledge and confidence to pursue avenues that promise great opportunities for their future careers.
One of the biggest areas we see growth is in digital – 87% of advertised jobs in the UK require digital skills, and there are almost 35,000 people employed in the digital sector in Leeds. However, most businesses report difficulties in recruiting the candidates they need.
Our Growing Talent Digital Leeds programme convenes a wide range of digitally-led companies with the goal of targeting young people who don’t currently see their place in a digital job. The programme breaks down barriers and tackles misconceptions, creating a more thriving and diverse sector.
Year after year, our Girl Tech flagship event attracts young people at a critical time in their education, before they choose, their GCSE options, so they can make informed decisions. It provides role models from the sector and interactive workshops on topics such as AI or user centred design, with a focus on giving people the knowledge of potential future roles. They also meet some of the biggest employers in Leeds – this provides valuable networking opportunities and a rich insight into an area people may not have considered before.
With rising levels of young people ‘not in employment, education or training’ (NEET) in Leeds and across the country, there is a need to work in partnership to give young people the future they deserve. Ahead Partnership is focused on doing that as long-standing supporters of Child Friendly Leeds.
If you are interested in working with Ahead Partnership, please contact us at andy.clarke@aheadpartnership.org.uk.
