Vital Signs MK 2025 - Report - Page 19
Rebecca M is a 16-year-old student who once 昀椀nishing the
E4S programme, decided to complete her GCSES. Struggling
with anxiety and school attendance, Rebecca found comfort
and support through the E4S programme.
Vital Voice:
“One of the biggest challenges young people face
in getting a job is the faceless nature of online
recruitment. It can be demoralising when a computer
simply says ‘no’ and frustrating when you’re not
seen as a person. At Worktree, we encourage real
conversations about work—giving young people the
chance to ask questions and learn about di昀昀erent jobs
from those who do them.
You can’t be what you can’t see. The more
conversations we create, the more we help young
people build con昀椀dence in speaking with unfamiliar
people—an essential skill for employment. It’s a simple
commitment for employee volunteers but a vital
opportunity for young people preparing for work.”
With increased con昀椀dence, she not only 昀椀nished her exams,
but also secured a job, standing out among 50 applicants.
Her journey from apprehension to employment highlights
the long-term impact of the programme.
“I was a bit anxious, but with support from my mentor, I was
more con昀椀dent in applying for the jobs I wanted and got help
with attending interviews - this meant I was able to get the
job I wanted. Out of 50 people who applied, I was the only
one that got it. My con昀椀dence has increased since I joined
E4S Programme. Thank you very much”.
Vital Question:
Tom Bulman, Worktree
What barriers prevent the remaining 67.9% of
economically inactive residents from seeking
work, and how can they be addressed?
Vital Action:
In November 2022, MK Community Foundation awarded
Empower 4 Success with a £9,990 grant to engage
young people in Milton Keynes who are not in education,
employment, or training (NEET) in a Youth Employability
Support & Family Engagement programme.
The initiative successfully supported and equipped
participants with the key skills necessary to navigate the
challenging aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. But the
impact it had went far further than this.
By involving participant’s parents in the process, it
functioned as a catalyst for further community cohesion
between participants. Parents expressed relief and
appreciation for a project that addressed productivity and
helped to curb anti-social activities.
Vital Statistics:
•
A third (33%) of businesses reported that they had
taken action to increase the skills of their workforce.
This is lower than in 2021 when the 昀椀gure was 45%.13
•
The employment rate in Milton Keynes was 76.0% in
2023, closely aligned with the Great Britain average of
76.8%. However, the rate has declined by 4.3 percentage
points since 2020, suggesting a slight decrease in
employment levels over recent years.
•
Milton Keynes ranks 8th in the Top 10 cities of highest
wages.14
33%
8
76%
A third (33%) of businesses
reported that they had taken
action to increase the skills of
their workforce.
Milton Keynes ranks
8th in the Top 10 cities
of highest wages.14
The employment rate in Milton
Keynes was 76.0% in 2023, closely
aligned with the Great Britain
average of 76.8%.
