What do women aged 16-25 have? Passion, determination and ambition.

What do they want? “Meaningful, long lasting careers.”

But we are in the midst of a youth employment crisis. Unemployment in this age group is at 13.9%, whilst the national average sits at 4.2%. Between the ages of 16-25 there are 379,000 women not in education, employment, or training.

This International Day of the Girl, Smart Works is asking employers to be bold and harness the potential of young women across the UK.

We are asking young women to not give up hope, to hold on to their confidence. Walk through our doors and you will get coaching, interview training and a free outfit to help you walk tall on the day of that interview.

To society we are saying judge young women for their behaviour and not their experience. Notice their skills and their talent. Become a mentor, bring them into your network.

Let’s nurture their ability: they are our future too.

How can I get involved?

Spread the word

We want to make sure that young women all over the UK know that we’re here.

Spread the word by following Smart Works on social media and resharing our content with your audience using our campaign hashtag #BreakBarriersBuildFutures

@SmartWorksCharity on Instagram

Smart Works Charity on LinkedIn

Donate £10

A monetary donation will help fund our transformative interview preparation service, which will support over 10,000 women this year. 63% get the job within just one month of appointment.

Donate £10 today and be part of a young women’s success story.

Donate

Donate clothes

Donate your high quality, interview appropriate items to Smart Works. Your donation will accompany a young woman from her first interview, to career success.

Donate

Make a referral

If you are a support organisation speaking to a young, unemployed or underemployed woman, factor Smart Works into your package of support. Be a part of her success story – refer a young woman to Smart Works today.

Make a referral

“Many young women today, they’re looking for an occupation they can actually grow in. Not just in experience, but actually staying there for a while and finding long term work.”

– Jessica, 19
Recent Smart Works client

Did you know?

“For a long time, I was hard working, but I still wasn’t able to get a good job with a good salary. I got to the point I am now with my perseverance and my personal values. That’s why employers need to give more people a chance, to actually talk with them.”

– Asma, 21
Recent Smart Works client

Break Barriers, Build Futures: A Photo Story

This International Day of the Girl, we want to shine a light on the strength and resilience of young women overcoming real barriers on their paths to employment. On October 9th, joined by key members of our community, we proudly launched Break Barriers, Build Futures: A Photo Story. Captured through the lens of award-winning photographer Amelia Troubridge, the photo story shines a light on the journeys of the young women we support, showcasing the ambition and courage that drives them forward. From Birmingham to Newcastle to Leeds, these inspiring young women are just a few of many determined to break down barriers, access opportunities, and build brighter futures – with our support guiding them every step of the way.

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