Marks & Spencer commits to aiding 2,000 disadvantaged youth through its Marks & Start programme, in partnership with The King’s Trust.
- The programme aims to break down employment barriers for young people, providing opportunities and career guidance.
- Over 30,000 people have benefited from this initiative, with 12,000 supported in collaboration with The King’s Trust.
- Four out of five participants have secured roles within M&S after completing the programme.
- The scheme is celebrating 20 years of success, continuously adapting to meet the needs of young job seekers.
Marks & Spencer has revealed its ambition to support nearly 2,000 young people facing employment challenges. Partnered with The King’s Trust, the Marks & Start programme offers a robust framework designed to equip these individuals with the necessary skills for the workplace. The multi-year strategy underscores M&S’s dedication to social responsibility and commitment to fostering professional growth among youth.
The initiative, now in its 20th year, focuses on addressing the barriers that prevent young people from securing jobs. Participants receive training that spans from crafting effective CVs and mastering interview techniques to managing finances. This comprehensive approach aims to prepare them thoroughly for their first career steps.
Since its inception, the Marks & Start programme has facilitated employment for over 30,000 individuals. In concert with The King’s Trust, it has specifically aided 12,000 young people, illustrating a successful alliance in tackling youth unemployment. The enduring partnership highlights the significance of collaboration in achieving social goals.
Evidence of its impact is seen in the careers of those who have completed the programme, with 80% moving on to secure positions within M&S. This statistic illustrates the programme’s effectiveness in providing career pathways, demonstrating M&S’s role as a vital enabler in the professional journeys of young individuals.
Speaking on the programme’s impact, M&S CEO Stuart Machin shared his personal reflections on starting his career in retail at a young age. His statement emphasised the company’s duty to help young people, particularly those who might struggle to find employment without additional support. Machin highlighted the essential role of partnerships with organisations like The King’s Trust and Young Minds in fulfilling this mission.
This long-standing programme exemplifies the power of strategic partnerships in addressing youth unemployment and providing essential career opportunities.
