Marks & Spencer has announced plans to support 2,000 disadvantaged young people through its Marks & Start program over the next three years.
- The initiative, in collaboration with The King’s Trust, aims to address employment barriers faced by young individuals.
- With twenty years of success, the program has already helped 30,000 people secure employment, including 12,000 through The King’s Trust.
- Participants leave the program with enhanced skills in areas such as resume writing, interviews, and financial management.
- A notable 80% of graduates from the program continue to build their careers within M&S.
Marks & Spencer is advancing its commitment to youth employment by pledging support for nearly 2,000 young people who face considerable barriers to entering the workforce. This is part of their expansive Marks & Start initiative, a strategy that has been in place for two decades and demonstrates their dedication to social responsibility.
The Marks & Start program is designed to offer significant aid to those who often find themselves distant from employment opportunities. It provides comprehensive training that covers essential skills necessary for starting a career, such as curriculum vitae building, preparing for interviews, and essential financial management.
Since its inception, the initiative has not only provided immediate support but has also partnered with The King’s Trust to enable long-term employment solutions. Together, they have supported the employment journey of 12,000 young people. The impressive track record of the scheme is highlighted by the fact that four out of every five young individuals who complete the program continue to find work within M&S.
Stuart Machin, CEO of M&S, emphasized the importance of such programs based on personal experience, stating that early work experience provided him with both purpose and financial security. He stressed the role of partnerships, noting how the collaboration with The King’s Trust and Young Minds enhances the program’s success in addressing youth unemployment challenges.
Jonathan Townsend, CEO of The King’s Trust, expressed pride in the partnership, acknowledging M&S’s impactful role in reducing employment barriers for young people. This collaborative effort celebrates 20 years of success, highlighting a pioneering approach that M&S takes seriously within its organizational practices, thus transforming the futures of many young individuals.
Through sustained collaboration and innovative approaches, Marks & Spencer continues to make a significant impact on youth employment in the UK.
