MPB Structures Ltd, in collaboration with Constructure, has formally presented a proven model for tackling youth unemployment to Alan Milburn, Chair of the Social Mobility Commission. In a letter sent by Martyn Price MBE, Business & People Development Director at MPB and Chair of Constructure, the organisation outlined how place-based partnerships between employers and regional authorities can deliver sustainable employment outcomes for young people.
You can read the letter here.
Addressing Youth Employment Through Regional Collaboration
Following discussions at the Movement to Work event in Liverpool, the letter highlights the alignment between national social mobility objectives and locally driven action. The initiative operates across the West Midlands, leveraging major regional regeneration projects, infrastructure developments such as HS2, and strategic partnerships with the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), Birmingham City Council, Jobcentre Plus, The Skills Centre, and Growth Path.
Rather than establishing entirely new schemes, the initiative connects existing local training and pre-employability provision directly with real employer demand. This framework provides young people with structured work experience, confidence-building, and a clear pathway into permanent roles.
Demonstrated Outcomes and Impact
The employer-led approach pioneered by MPB Structures Ltd has already delivered measurable results:
- MPB has extended 100 work placement offers to local candidates.
- 70 individuals attended the initial stages of the pathway.
- 67 participants completed a structured two-week work experience programme.
- 25 individuals secured permanent PAYE employment roles directly with MPB.
- Candidates who did not enter permanent roles with MPB received formal professional references and support, assisting them to secure alternative employment opportunities elsewhere.
Scaling Potential for the Construction Sector
The letter demonstrates that this single-employer framework has the capacity to expand significantly. Within Birmingham, MPB has identified the potential to create up to 250 additional work experience placements, aiming for 200 permanent job outcomes for unemployed and socially excluded young individuals.
Furthermore, if this employer-led framework is replicated across the wider city region, the construction sector alone could generate up to 1,000 new permanent jobs during the current parliament. MPB and Constructure continue to advocate for regional alignment and employer leadership to help shape national policy on youth employment and social mobility.
