In a move that is set to boost efforts towards tackling youth unemployment, the chief executive of BAE Systems, Charles Woodburn, has been appointed as the chair of Movement to Work, a charitable organisation that brings together businesses to provide quality jobs, training, and work placement opportunities for young people.

The not-for-profit coalition was founded in 2013 and works with UK employers, youth-outreach organisations, training providers, and government agencies to support young people who are currently not in education, employment, or training to gain the skills and experience they need to secure long-term employment.

Speaking about his new role, Mr Woodburn said, “I’m passionate about providing high-quality work placements that give young people a route into long-term employment and help businesses access the talent we need to succeed. Through Movement to Work, I’ve seen first-hand the impact these opportunities can have on our communities and the company.”

The appointment of Mr Woodburn is a significant boost for the charity, as BAE Systems is one of the UK’s largest employers and has a long-standing commitment to developing the skills and talents of young people. The company has been a key partner of Movement to Work since 2014 and has helped to design and deliver several successful youth employability programmes.

The CEO of Movement to Work, Kirstie Mackey, welcomed the appointment of Mr Woodburn, saying, “Charles brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to creating opportunities for young people. We are thrilled to have him on board as our new chair and look forward to working with him to help even more young people overcome the barriers they face to work.”

The appointment of Mr Woodburn comes at a crucial time, as the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on youth unemployment rates in the UK. According to recent figures from the Office for National Statistics, the unemployment rate for 16-24-year-olds in the UK is currently at 12.6%, which is significantly higher than the overall unemployment rate of 4.2%.

With the support of Mr Woodburn and other UK employers, Movement to Work is well-placed to continue its vital work in providing young people with the skills and experience they need to secure long-term employment and contribute to the success of the UK economy.