Wythenshawe Business Gateway
Spotlight on Supporting Young People into Employment
Thursday 25 September 2026 | 5pm-7pm
PZ Cussons, Wythenshawe
Our September Wythenshawe Business Gateway will shine a spotlight on one of the most important issues facing our community – how we can support more young people into employment and help them build the skills, confidence and aspirations they need for the future.
The evening will bring together local businesses, schools, young people and organisations working to improve employment opportunities for the next generation.
Panel discussion
As part of the evening, we will be joined by an expert panel, chaired by Adam Jupp, to explore the challenges and opportunities around supporting young people into employment.
Our panel will include:
- DWP – sharing insight into the support available to young people and employers.
- Madeleine Hawley, Holiday Inn – bringing an employer’s perspective on recruiting and supporting young people.
- A young person who was previously NEET and is now working at Manchester Airport – sharing their personal journey into employment.
- Anthony Thompson, CEO of Navigators – sharing his experience of supporting young people and the barriers they can face on their journey towards work.
The discussion will explore what employers can do to make a genuine difference, what support is available and how businesses, schools and community organisations can work together to create stronger pathways into employment.
Hearing directly from Wythenshawe young people
We will also be joined by students and teachers from St Paul’s High School, who will share their experiences of the support they have received through BW3’s partnership with local schools and businesses.
They will talk about the difference that opportunities such as BW3 Reading Mentoring, inspirational speakers and employer engagement have made to their experiences at school, their confidence and their aspirations.
Students will also share their experience of the BW3-supported trip to Switzerland to watch the 2025 UEFA Women’s Euros, highlighting how opportunities beyond the classroom can help young people develop confidence, broaden their horizons and create memories and experiences they may not otherwise have had.
It will be a chance for businesses in the room to hear directly from young people about what makes a difference to them.
How can your business help?
Supporting young people into employment isn’t just about recruitment. Businesses can play an important role in raising aspirations, developing skills, building confidence and helping young people understand the opportunities available to them.
There are lots of ways to get involved, including:
- Volunteering in local schools
- Becoming a reading mentor
- Speaking to young people about your career and industry
- Supporting careers events and workplace visits
- Offering work experience
- Providing mentoring and employability support
- Supporting BW3 projects through sponsorship or fundraising
- Becoming a BW3 member and connecting with local schools and young people
You don’t have to be a large employer to make a difference. Your time, experience, knowledge and connections can all help a young person take their next step.
Join us
Whether you already work with young people or are looking for your first opportunity to get involved, we’d love you to join us for an evening of discussion, insight and networking.
Come along, hear directly from young people and employers, and find out how your business can help create more opportunities for Wythenshawe’s next generation.
🎟️ Free to attend | Booking essential