L!STEN ACT CHANGE: Action Labs launch

Help shape better jobs and opportunities for young people in Stockport

Young people in Stockport have told us loud and clear: they want more chances to work,

earn money, gain experience, build skills and understand what different jobs are really like.

They want opportunities that feel open, fair and accessible. They want better work

experience. They want clearer information about jobs, apprenticeships and training. And

they want more chances to try things out before making big choices about their future.

That’s why the first phase of L!sten Act Change Action Labs will focus on jobs and

opportunities for young people in Stockport.

What young people have told us

Earlier this year, PIE heard from 722 young people across schools and voluntary groups in

Stockport. Jobs, work experience and future opportunities came through as a key issue.

Young people told us:

“It’s impossible to get work experience if you are under 16. How can we choose our GCSE

options when we have no clue what jobs are out there?”

“School doesn’t teach us what jobs are like. It would be good to be able to try out different

jobs earlier on.”

“More entry-level jobs for young people without needing previous experience, better access

to apprenticeships and training, more local work experience placements and clearer career

guidance.”

“I’d like to see equal opportunities for everyone, no matter their background. It’s unfair that

things like income can limit young people’s potential.”

“Obviously young people lack life experience but we aren’t thick, and I think a lot of people

forget that and therefore undermine our voices.”

For young people facing extra barriers, it can be even harder. Young people told us that

cost, transport, low confidence, social anxiety, accessibility needs and not knowing where to

find opportunities can all get in the way. One young person explained that many typical

student jobs are not an option for them because they involve standing for long periods of

time.

Young people are ambitious. They want to get involved, gain experience and prepare for the

future. But too often, the opportunities are hard to find, hard to access, or not designed

with young people’s real lives in mind.

What are the Action Labs?

L!sten Act Change is all about helping young people change the things that matter to them

in Stockport.

The Action Labs will be fun, relaxed and practical sessions where young people can share

ideas, explore what needs to change, and work together to design and deliver a project

around jobs and opportunities.

You do not need to arrive with a big idea. You might simply be interested in finding better

work experience, understanding different jobs, learning new skills, or making things fairer

for young people in Stockport.

This is a chance to be heard – and to help make something happen.

Who can take part?

The Action Labs are open to young people aged 11–16.

The sessions will be friendly, interactive and relaxed (with food provided!)

Come along if you want to:

• have fun

• share your views

• meet other young people

• build confidence and skills

• explore jobs and opportunities

• help shape a project that could make a real difference

Upcoming Action Lab sessions

The first Action Labs will take place at:

Hat Works, Wellington Mill, Wellington Road South, Stockport, SK3 0EU

Session dates:

Wednesday 27 May, 1–3pm

Wednesday 24 June, 5–7pm

Wednesday 1 July, 5–7pm

Wednesday 15 July, 5–7pm

Interested?

Register your interest here (parent contact details needed) to receive updates and be the

first to hear about future sessions.

Want to find out more first?

We’re also holding a drop-in information session at Stockroom on Thursday 11 June,

5–6pm.

Come along, ask questions, find out what the project is about, and see whether it feels right

for you.

More Action Labs coming soon…

This is just the start. Upcoming L!sten Act Change Action Labs will focus on Health & Wellbeing and Activities & Safe Spaces, with sessions taking place over the summer

holidays and in autumn. Sign up here to receive updates.

Your voice matters

Young people know what needs to change. L!sten Act Change is about giving young people

the space, support and resources to turn ideas into action.

Your voice matters. Your ideas matter. This is your chance to help change things for the

better in Stockport.

L!sten Act Change is made possible thanks to National Lottery players.

PIE is a Stockport-based social enterprise helping young people build confidence, have their

voices heard, and create positive change in their communities.