Please note that we require you to fill out all the information when registering – there are two pages that we will need you to complete.

The Young Combined Authority (YCA) and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) Careers Team are proud to present the 2025 Youth Summit – an inspiring, action-focused event centred on creating meaningful and future-ready work experience opportunities for young people across the region.

This is more than just a conversation – it’s your chance to influence real change.

Over the past two years, your insights have helped shape regional initiatives like Thrive in College, youth-led Mental Health Workshops, and the WMCA Youth Plan to address racial inequality and youth unemployment. Now, we’re inviting you to be part of the next chapter.

What to Expect:

• Employer Marketplace: Connect directly with employers from some of the West Midlands’ fastest-growing sectors. Discover what work experience looks like in today’s world and explore real opportunities tailored to young people.

• Youth-led Workshops: Share your experiences, ideas, and priorities with peers, professionals, and policy makers. Your voice will help shape future WMCA policies and projects designed to support youth employment and development.

• Inspiration & Influence: Meet likeminded young people from across the region, gain insight into regional initiatives, and play an active role in shaping what comes next.

There will also be three workshops during the summit.

Workshop 1 – Modern Work Experience

• See the new Modern Work Experience Framework & provide crucial feedback that will shape the framework.

Workshop 2 – Alternatives to Work Experience: Young People and Employers

• Brainstorm and design sessions to be taught in school or college to inspire young people considering different careers and pathways.

Workshop 3 – Explore the Barriers to Traditional Work Experience

• Explore and contribute to our understanding of barriers around Work Experience and take part in discussions to help us remove those barriers.

This summit is for ambitious young people aged 11–18 who want their voices heard and are ready to influence how opportunities are created across the West Midlands. Whether you’re thinking about your next steps or already planning your career, this is your platform to help design a system that works for you – and for others.

Check out the travel information for thestudio…, including how to get to the venue via walking/cycling, bus, rail, and car. You can use the TfWM Journey Planner to plan your journey to and from the venue.

If you’re driving, park at Birmingham Snow Hill car park (post code is B3 2BJ) or Birmingham New Street car park (post code is B2 4ND). Be sure to check opening and closing times, along with prices.

If you have any questions or concerns, please email questions@wmca.org.uk.