Projects
2025 Manchester Employability Day
A Resounding Success at the 2025 Manchester Employability Day
Making Education a Priority (MEaP) in partnership with our friends at the Reach Society and several local groups are thrilled to share the incredible success of the 3rd Manchester Employability Day, which took place on May 29, 2025 at the Moss Side Millennium Powerhouse. Our partnership brought together an inspiring community of young people, professionals, and organisations dedicated to empowering the next generation.
This year, the event’s impact grew significantly. We were proud to welcome around 140 registered attendees, more than double the number from last year. This remarkable turnout is a testament to our shared mission to help young people find their passion and build a path to a bright future.
Pre-event outreach
Our pre-event outreach, which called on the community to “inspire the next generation,” was met with an overwhelming response. We are incredibly grateful to the passionate individuals who answered that call. A huge thank you to the fantastic cohort of volunteer role models we assembled, many of whom also served as experts on our event panel. Their willingness to share their career journeys and offer invaluable advice gave young people the confidence to see what’s possible.
Impact and Outcomes of the 2025 Manchester Employability Day
The 2025 career day event served as a cornerstone of our mission to empower young people and bridge the gap between education and meaningful employment. Our strategic objective for this year’s event was to significantly increase engagement and demonstrate a measurable impact on youth employability in the Greater Manchester area. We are pleased to report that we not only met but exceeded these goals, thanks to the collective efforts of our partners, volunteers, and the young people who attended.
The data collected from the event illustrates a significant expansion in our reach and effectiveness, providing tangible evidence of our work to our funders and stakeholders:
Exhibitors
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Improved Confidence
Attendees
Attendance Growth
The number of registered attendees more than doubled from the previous year, rising from approximately 70 to 140. This 100% increase in participation demonstrates a growing demand for the services we provide and a successful expansion of our outreach efforts.
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Participants increase
Volunteer role models
Role Models Engagement
Our call for volunteers was met with an exceptional response. We successfully recruited a cohort of 30 volunteer role models, a crucial element in providing young people with relatable, firsthand career guidance. These volunteers, many of whom served on our expert panel, are a testament to the community’s commitment to our cause.
Youth Engagement
Exit surveys indicated a high level of satisfaction among attendees, with 95% reporting that the event provided valuable information about potential career paths and further education. A key highlight was the themed workshop facilitated by the University of Manchester, which offered deep insights into student life and academic opportunities.
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Youth Satisfaction
Our Partners in Progress
The success of the Manchester Employability Day would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our partners. We extend our sincere gratitude to the dozens of employers, universities, and third-sector groups who showcased their opportunities. Their commitment is integral to Making Education a Priority.
#MEaP #Manchester #Employability #YouthInspiration #CareerGuidance #EducationIsKey #VolunteerRoleModels #CommunityPartnerships
Exhibitors
2025 Employability Day: Exhibitor Participation
We are delighted to have secured the participation of 28 exhibitors, representing a diverse range of sectors, including major corporations, universities, non-profit organisations, and public service organisations. This broad representation in exhibitors was instrumental in ensuring that attendees were exposed to a wide spectrum of careers and educational opportunities, from traditional trades to cutting-edge digital fields. We want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to each of these exhibitors who supported this event and helped us make education a priority for these young people.
A comprehensive list of our exhibitors:
The British Army, Deloitte, Marsh McLennan, The RAF, Reach Society, The University of Manchester, NHS Foundation Widening Participation, The Home Office Civil Service, RISE UP, Persimmons Homes, Young Manchester, Ada, National Digital College, Elevate Young Minds, Highway Hope, G.I.F.T. Academy, Nurturing Fundations, 3E Web Media, Arden University; The Message Trust; Making Education a Priority (MEaP), End2EndTalentSolution, Children First family Mediation, Equal Education Chances, One Million Mentors, Airport Academy, Just Psychology, Pathfinder, and Smart Works Greater Manchester.
Recognition and Looking Ahead
Recognition
We are delighted to announce that all contributors to the event have been nominated for the Reach Society Milestone Recognition Awards! This nomination is a wonderful acknowledgment of the hard work and dedication of everyone involved and a validation of our collective impact. It also underscores the importance of our work in the community. The awards will be presented on October 25, 2025. For more information and to attend the awards dinner on October 25, 2025, please visit the Reach Society’s website.
Future plans
Building on this momentum, we have already set the date for the next Manchester Employability Day: Thursday, May 28, 2026. Please save the date and join us again at the Millennium Powerhouse, Moss Side, as we continue to work together to empower young futures. This allows us to continue our vital work in a familiar and accessible venue.
We are confident that our continued efforts and the strong support of our funders will enable us to expand our reach, enhance our programs, and make an even greater impact on the lives of BME young people across the region.