Employability Day in Luton, 31 May

The Luton Employability Day, held at the Chiltern Academy, organised by the Foundation for Reach Society in association with LEAPP and Luton Council continues to build on the post-pandemic momentum. Attended by more than 125 young people aged 10 to 19, parents and carers, from Luton and nearby areas, the Employability Day continues to demonstrate the model to inspire young people via access to role models, professionals and employers, really works.

The STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths) workshop facilitated by Brunel University was designed to help young people pursue careers based in these subjects. The workshops were complemented by a panel of experts from the Black community who gave hints, tips and invaluable information to the young people, parents and carers. Those who asked questions also received a copy of the Society’s book, Our Guide for Celebrating Cultural Esteem, as an incentive from Reach Society.

The organisers wish to register their appreciation for the ongoing support from the variety of employers, high value universities and third sector groups that participants could engage with on the day. See full list below.

Richard Cooper, a director of the Foundation for Reach Society, said: “The Luton Employability Day in collaboration with the LEAPP and Luton Council attracted local Black professionals and employers to support the idea; and reached out to young people and their parents and carers to attend the event. The positive response from all stakeholders on the day is further confirmation that an inspirational event of this type can add value to the young black people of Luton.” 

Dr Dwain Neil OBE, chairman of Reach Society, said: “The whole point of today’s Employability Day was to demonstrate that the model of inspirational events pioneered in London over 10 years, can be tailored for roll out in urban centres like Luton, as was successfully done this year in Manchester. The Society’s objective is to continue to roll out inspirational activities all across the UK.”

Full list of present exhibitors

Active Luton (community wellbeing trust), Att10tive Social Enterprise, Barnfield College, Bedfordshire Police, Bedfordshire Fire Services, Bedford, Luton and Milton Keynes Health and Care Partnership, Ben Salmi Family Books, Black Next Gen, British Army, British Telecom, Brunel University & Workshop STEM, Careers You Love, Central Bedfordshire College, Christ Redeemer College (CRC), Greatness University, I Am Enough Production, Kier, London Luton Airport, Luton Borough Council, Luton Sixth Form College, MJ’s Catering, NHS Bedfordshire, Luton & Milton Keynes, No Ordinary Bookshop, Prison and Probation Service, RAF, Reach Society, Reshell’s Couture Events, Royal Navy, Simply Deez Events CIC, TCHC, The Ameina Centre, The Culture Trust, TUI, SABA Network, University of Bedfordshire, and Zions-I.