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Spark! rebrands as Youth Careers Collective to tackle UK youth employment crisis
Nearly one million young people in the UK are neither earning nor learning — a growing crisis that demands urgent action.
To meet this challenge, leading youth employment charity Spark! is rebranding as Youth Careers Collective, effective 3rd November 2025, reflecting its vision for every young person to be ready, equipped, motivated and able to enter the world of work and build a rewarding career.
A bold step for systemic change
Originally the Education Business Partnership in Hounslow, and operating as Spark! since 2012, the charity has spent 45 years delivering impactful employability programmes across West London and beyond. In response to growing need, it has expanded significantly in recent years — and is now taking a bold new step forward to drive real, systemic change for young people facing the greatest barriers to work.
The rebrand reflects the charity’s renewed focus on clarity of purpose, collective action, and raising the profile of youth employment as a national priority.
“Our rebrand marks the start of an ambitious new chapter,” said Chief Executive, Matt Lent, “alongside our new five-year strategy, it will help us meet the youth employment challenge head-on. One in eight young people are currently not in employment, education or training — a huge loss of potential for individuals, employers, and the economy. As Youth Careers Collective, we’re determined to change that by growing our reach, deepening our impact, targeting our support and influencing real change.”
More than a name change
While the charity’s vision, mission, and values remain the same, this rebrand represents a deeper commitment to transformation. It’s a promise to put young people first in every decision and action. It’s a commitment to help them not just find jobs, but build rewarding, sustainable careers. And it’s a pledge to bring people and organisations together from across sectors to drive lasting, systemic change.
A call to action
Chamber member Youth Careers Collective invites employers and businesses, schools and colleges, councils, charities, funders, and individuals to join the Collective to improve career prospects for young people in their communities and nationwide.
For more information visit: www.youthcareers.org.uk our new five-year strategy, it will help us meet the youth employment challenge head-on. One in eight young people are currently not in employment, education or training — a huge loss of potential for individuals, employers, and the economy.”
