Talent Match Conference
The Talent Match Conference took place on Thursday 22nd June at St George’s Hall, Liverpool.
The event showcased the remarkable achievements, inspiring stories, and life-changing interventions within the Talent Match Programme.
The conference, attended by over 150 people, featured a rich lineup of speakers and captivating performances that highlighted the impactful work of the programme. Throughout the day, four compelling case studies were presented through video, providing an in-depth look into the journeys of young people as they navigated their way through Talent Match. From overcoming educational barriers to gaining essential job skills, each story highlighted the resilience and growth of the young individuals involved.
Speakers at the conference included Barry Fletcher, CEO of Youth Futures Foundation, who delivered a powerful keynote address on “The Power of Evidence,” emphasising the importance of data-driven approaches in creating sustainable impact. Laura-Jane Rawlings, CEO of Youth Employment UK, shed light on the youth employment challenge today whilst John and Adam, from the Department for Work and Pensions discuss the importance of employers supporting young people with additional needs in sustaining employment.
Helen Scurr, Company Director at ARK Consultancy, provided insights into measuring the social impact of the programme and highlighting it’s return on investment. Naomi and Lindsey, dedicated counsellors from Talent Match, discussed the integration of mental health support into the employability programme. Colette Taylor, Programme Manager at Talent Match, shared her expertise and experiences in her presentation, “Talent Match LCR – The right people, in the right place, at the right time!”
The conference also witnessed remarkable performances from MYA Space Project, who staged a captivating play depicting the life of a Talent Match mentor. Talented artists Danny Parker and Beth Welsh not only graced the stage with their soulful voices and heartfelt songs but also shared their personal success stories as former participants who had benefited greatly through Talent Match.
Gill Bainbridge, CEO of Merseyside Youth Association, expressed her enthusiasm for the conference, stating, “The Talent Match Conference was an incredible showcase of the life-changing impact of the programme. Through compelling case studies, the remarkable contributions of our speakers, and the powerful performances by Danny Parker, Beth Welsh and our own SPACE project, we witnessed first hand the true power of collaboration, resilience, and empowerment. I am immensely proud of the young individuals whose journeys were showcased and inspired us all.”
The event exemplified the commitment of our programme to supporting young people in their journey towards employment. By harnessing evidence-based approaches, integrating mental health support, and sharing inspiring stories, the conference left a lasting impression on all attendees.
The Talent Match Programme continues to make a significant impact in the lives of young people, enabling them to overcome challenges and fulfil their potential.
About Talent Match:
Talent Match is a pioneering programme dedicated to supporting young individuals facing barriers to employment. By providing tailored interventions, fostering strategic partnerships, and empowering young people, Talent Match aims to create a pathway towards sustainable employment and transform lives.
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