Business in the Community’s Post

*2024 Key Index Finding 10: The Success of Returner Programmes* 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗠 𝗿𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰? Dedicated returner programmes are proving to be the preferred route back. 📊 54% of successful returners favoured these programmes over traditional recruitment channels (up from 40% in 2023). 📊 35% found employment through these programmes, more than doubling last year’s 16%. These initiatives are giving returners a clear and supported pathway back into STEM, making a tangible difference in their re-entry journeys. Access the full Index and findings here: https://lnkd.in/eTNWdFqV #TheSTEMReturnersIndex #InclusiveRecruitment #ReturnToSTEM #Diversity #Inclusion #EDandI #STEMCareers #DiversityAndInclusion

Can education reinforce inequality? In a policy brief recently published by United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), I explored the drivers of inequality among Arab youth in high-, middle-, and low-income countries in the region. Using World Gallup Poll Survey data, our findings suggest that while education has been heralded as the great leveler, it can reinforce inequalities depending on who has access to what kind of education. Low accessibility to good quality education trickles down to limited access to employment opportunities, leading to poor quality of life and overall lesser socioeconomic growth. Moreover, the lack of job creation in some regions adds to unemployment and exacerbates inequality. We recommend focusing on bridging the gap between job seekers and job providers through platforms such as Josour (https://lnkd.in/drxU_8tm), and strengthening educational infrastructure and curricula. Read the policy brief to delve deeper into our analysis and recommendations: https://lnkd.in/daYJ4ZGZ

At this year’s World Youth Skills Day, 2024, tagged "Youth Skills for Peace and Development," I had the opportunity of engaging a team of NYSC SDG of Ekiti State via webinar as the Guest Speaker at the event. It was vital to highlight the role that our young people play in maintaining peace and ensuring conflicts are resolved decisively within the location they may find themselves at any time. In today’s world, we are faced with multitude of challenges and our youth happen to find themselves right in the middle of this. It becomes imperative to explore ideas and opportunities that will see that stability and peace become not just the desired outcome but the attained status quo. The Office of the Technical Advisor to the Ekiti State Governor on Youth Inclusion is committed to equipping our youth with soft skills and personal development that will further foster a peaceful culture where everyone coexists, while in the long run a sustainable and just society is built - a just, sane and inclusive future for all. The office is actively involved in the empowerment of young people of Ekiti state in social, economic and political aspects of the society. It's about creating opportunities, spaces and supportive environment where they can: - Participate in decision-making processes - Develop skills and capacities - Access resources and services - Build relationships and networks - Contribute to community development and social change - Have a voice and be heard - Pursue their passions and interests - Develop skills and confidence - Build positive relationships - Contribute to their communities - Overcome barriers and challenges - Reach their full potential It's about recognizing the value and potential of Ekiti youth and providing them with the resources, opportunities, and support they need to thrive. By inclusively engaging youth, we can: - Foster a culture of belonging and respect - Promote social justice and equity - Encourage innovation and creativity - Build stronger, more vibrant communities We achieve this through the five drivers of the six pillars of the current administration namely: ·       Youth advocacy ·       Youth engagement ·       Youth development ·       Youth enlightenment ·       Youth empowerment

Since 2020, The STEM Returners Index has informed us of the challenges faced by returners and the support needed to help them re-enter the workforce. 5 years of data allows us to explore the shifts that have taken place—and where change has been slower—offering a picture of how the landscape for returners has evolved, and what still needs to be done to ensure that everyone has an equitable opportunity to return to STEM. ➡️Women are still struggling to return ➡️Minority Ethnic Groups remain underrepresented ➡️More applications needed for returner success ➡️Bias continues to be a barrier to re-entry ➡️A consistent desire for supported routes back to STEM ➡️Year-on-year increase in returning via supported returner programmes 🔗 Read the 2024 Index report in full, here: https://ow.ly/iXyx50UoWYg #TheSTEMReturnersIndex #InclusiveRecruitment #ReturnToSTEM #Diversity #Inclusion #EDandI #STEMCareers #DiversityAndInclusion #CareerBreak #ReturnerProgramme

Happy #InternationalYouthDay! Today, we celebrate the potential and creativity of young people worldwide. Did you know that half of the people on our planet are 30 or younger, and this is expected to reach 57% by the end of 2030? The Next Step Foundation remains committed to empowering #youth with the #skills they need to thrive in the digital age. Here are some ways the youth can prepare for the evolving #digital job landscape. Learn more https://lnkd.in/dSUUagbw #YouthDay2024

🚨 The STEM Returners Index 2024 is here! 🚨 Our Index has become a key resource for understanding the barriers faced by returners and shaping industry action to support them. It highlights the importance of equitable access to opportunities, inclusive hiring practices, and supportive environments that empower returners to thrive. At STEM Returners, we’re dedicated to helping returners rebuild their confidence and careers while driving meaningful change across the industry. This Index is a cornerstone of our mission to ensure a more inclusive, diverse, and innovative STEM workforce for the future. 🔗 Read and download the STEM Returners Index 2024: https://lnkd.in/eH8zsKXe #TheSTEMReturnersIndex #InclusiveRecruitment #ReturnToSTEM #Diversity #Inclusion #EDandI #STEMCareers #DiversityAndInclusion #CareerBreak #ReturnerProgramme

5 years of data, working knowledge and lived experiences to reflect on. The 2024 STEM Returners Index is here! There are still many misconceptions surrounding career breaks. #TheSTEMReturnersIndex is a key tool for Employers, Industry bodies and Policy Makers to use to help inform their #skills and #inclusion strategies. #inclusiverecruitment #returntoSTEM #careerbreak #returntowork #diversityinSTEM #equity

Congratulations to everyone at STEM Returners for the 2024 Index. I urge anyone working in recruitment, HR and STEM to take a look. With skills gaps widening across STEM industries, there are so many people ready to fill those roles, but do not get a look in because of a gap on their CV. Some returners are applying for 100s of jobs and not getting opportunities or even replies! This is such an important document to show the real challenges people are facing. Special well done to Kerrie Sleep and James Shreves for their hours of work on this report. #careerbreak #returntostem #returners #HR #recruitment

👷♀️👩🚀👨🏼🔧👨🏾🔬 An equitable and inclusive recruitment programme is essential to tackle the skills gap in our sectors. The STEM Returners index continues to highlight the barriers faced by those trying to re-enter the workplace and we support the work of Natalie Desty and STEM Returners in raising awareness and increasing access to industry for talented STEM professionals.

Celebrating International Youth Day! 🌟👩🎓👨🎓 Today, we shine a spotlight on the incredible energy, creativity, and potential of young people around the world. International Youth Day is a time to recognize the important role youth play in driving change and shaping our future. Did you know that young people aged 15-24 make up 16% of the global population? That's about 1.2 billion individuals! This vibrant demographic is leading the charge on issues like climate change, social justice, and technological innovation. Fun fact: Some of the world's most influential movements have been powered by youth. From the civil rights movement to recent climate strikes, young people have consistently been at the forefront of advocacy and change. This year's theme focuses on "Transforming Education," highlighting the need for inclusive and accessible education that equips young people with the skills they need to thrive. Let's celebrate their achievements and support their aspirations for a brighter, more equitable world. Share your stories, achievements, and dreams using the hashtags below. Together, we can amplify the voices of youth and empower the next generation! #InternationalYouthDay #YouthPower #TransformingEducation #YouthLeadership #GlobalYouth #YouthForChange #EmpowerYouth