Future Forward - Empowering your future workforce

This event aims to inspire businesses and companies to partner with us in supporting pathways to leadership and career opportunities for young people in Salford and Manchester.

With the theme Future Forward the event highlights how EMPOWER Youth Zones are the trusted gateway to future talent. We have the relationships, trust, and insight into young people's potential, making us the ideal pipeline for companies looking to support youth employment initiatives.

Through collaboration, companies can strengthen their social value while actively contributing to youth development. Businesses will learn how they can go beyond traditional apprenticeships and T-levels by offering work experience, mentorship, and wider support. This event provides a platform for businesses to discover how their involvement can create lasting impact, align with social value goals, and build a future-ready workforce.

Key Discussion Points

• What more can we do to create meaningful opportunities for young people in Greater Manchester?
• How can we tackle inequality?
• Are existing efforts enough to truly make a difference?
• How can we go beyond apprenticeships and T-levels to offer greater opportunities?
• EMPOWER has creative, talented young people with skills that businesses need.