Severn Trent helping the young and unemployed in Birmingham by providing 50 new jobs in city
Severn Trent is creating 50 new jobs in Birmingham — and is giving Birmingham youth an extra hand in kick starting their career in water.
To help fill those roles, Severn Trent teamed up with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) at its Birmingham Youth Hub to help local 18–24-year-olds who aren’t currently in work, education or training (NEET) learn more about the jobs on offer and more about Severn Trent.
Youth unemployment in Birmingham is still one of the highest in the country. Around 27,000 young people in the city are currently claiming unemployment-related benefits — that’s 9.3%, compared to 5.6% across England.
To change that, Severn Trent hosted the jam-packed event at the Youth Hub in Birmingham Library.
Over 80 young people came along to meet the team to take part in workshops, get help with their CVs and bills, and even have a chat with hiring managers - with many impressing managers on the day and are already moving forward to the next stages.
Megan Aplin, Societal Delivery Manager at Severn Trent said: “It’s really exciting to be able to create new jobs, and to have events and ways in which we can make sure those that are young and unemployed, have the opportunity to kick start their careers. The event has been a brilliant example of collaboration between us and the Youth Hub helping more 18-24 year olds access opportunities. There’s so much untapped potential when it comes to young people and their skills – and I’m more than hopeful that we’ve met the next future faces of Severn Trent today.”
This is all part of Severn Trent’s wider social impact programme, which focuses on creating opportunities for people from disadvantaged backgrounds — especially in areas with high unemployment.
Megan added: “We’re doing this because not everyone has a support network to help with things like CVs or interview prep. That’s where we want to step in, to bridge that gap and make sure young people who live in the Midlands have the tools and confidence to succeed.”
As part of this recruitment drive, the company will be running more events through local Jobcentres, aimed at helping long-term unemployed adults get back into work. That includes their LEAP programme — a two-day workshop designed to build confidence and get people job-ready.
Jason Coke, Youth Hub Work Coach from DWP said : “Youth unemployment at the moment is really high, and young people are finding it really difficult to get their foot in the door. I feel proud that organisations like Severn Trent have chosen to link in with the Youth Hub as part of our movement to work week, as there’s a stream of untapped talent across the city that is good for any business.
“I think more business across the West Midlands should follow suit, and tap into the talented young people looking for work who just need an opportunity to fly.”
Severn Trent’s applications for the jobs in its new contact centre in Edgbaston is open until Sunday 13th July.
To apply, and to find out more about life at Severn Trent – visit severntrent.com/careers.
