A FREE social impact conference will tackle the challenges young people in the Black Country are facing in the employment market.

Aimed at employers, training providers and youth organisations, the conference will focus on reaching people with an interest in the regional employment landscape with the view to inspire, entice and equip them with the right tools to tackle youth unemployment.

No One Left Behind will be presented by Black Country Talent Match, a five-year project to support people aged between 18 and 29 who have been out of work, training or education for at least 12 months.

It will take place on Friday, April 27 in the Earls Suite at the Copthorne Hotel in Brierley Hill between 9.30am and 3pm.

Kim Babb, project manager for Black Country Talent Match, said: "The conference seeks to bust the myths surrounding youth employment and provide a platform for young people in the areas of greatest need to share experiences with those with the capacity to make a difference.

"Some young people in the Black Country are living through challenging times and it’s important for us to galvanise all stakeholders to get involved, discuss what works and what doesn’t, and proceed to tackle the problems.”

Kirsty McHugh, chief executive at the Employment Related Services Association will be delivering a keynote speech and said she was “delighted" to be involved.

She continued: "As an organisation providing employment support to membership nation-wide, our main purpose is to help jobseekers to gain and sustain work and this aligns perfectly with the ethos of Talent Match.

"Working together and learning from each other’s experiences, by supporting our mutual activities and sharing successes and best approaches with the local employers, is key on the road to tackle unemployment in the young demographic.”

Other speakers will include Dr Julie Nugent, director of productivity and skills at the West Midlands Combined Authority, Midland Metro Alliance's training and development manager, Rose Rees, Professor Peter Wells, director of the evaluation and learning Ccontract for the Big Lottery Fund's Talent Match programme and Helen Scurr, managing director of Ark Consultancy.

Anyone who wishes to attend should register via www.tmbc18conference.eventreference.com.