We are delighted to announce that long standing member of the GMLPN Advisory Board, Andy Turner, WBL Skills and Participation Development Officer at Rochdale Council, as the newly appointed Chair of the Youth Employment Exchange, a key forum committed to strengthening opportunities, outcomes and progression pathways for young people across Greater Manchester.
The Youth Employment Exchange, in partnership with Gateway Qualifications, brings together providers, partners, and stakeholders to collaborate on solutions that support young people into meaningful education, employment, and training. This exchange plays a strategic role in deepening collaboration across the sector and shaping a more inclusive, responsive system for young people in GM.
Andy will lead the Exchange at a pivotal time, as GMLPN, members and partner continue to build on the work launched last year through the Greater Manchester Position Paper – Tackling the NEET Challenge across GM The position paper set out a comprehensive and collaborative blueprint, drawing on insights from over 100 stakeholders, including local authorities, providers, youth organisations and young people themselves, to address the barriers faced by young people aged 16–24 who are not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET).
The report highlighted both system-level challenges and innovative place‑based solutions across Greater Manchester, emphasising the need for multi‑agency collaboration, stronger pathways, and more personalised support for young people facing barriers. It also centred youth voice through a dedicated Youth Panel, ensuring that young people’s lived experiences shaped the recommendations for change.
With Andy as Chair, the Youth Employment Exchange will continue this mission, strengthening collaboration, amplifying young people’s voices, and helping partners collectively respond to the evolving needs of young people across GM. The Exchange also supports the ongoing conversation with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) re. sufficiency challenges and findings from the GM Youth Census, creating a space for sharing insights and shaping coordinated action that benefits the region’s young people.
Andy Turner said:
I’m honoured to be asked to Chair the Youth Employment Exchange, especially at a time of rising NEET and unemployment amongst young people, not only locally, but nationally.
Collectively we have an opportunity to change the way that we all work and lead on real change for the good.
I want the group to raise awkward questions and to challenge the way that things have worked in the past. This may be uncomfortable but will ultimately lead to the changes that we are all in search of.
The Youth Employment Exchange represents an exciting next step in GM’s joint commitment to ensuring every young person has access to high-quality support, clear pathways, and meaningful opportunities to thrive.
For more information or to get involved with the Youth Employment Exchange, please contact info@gmlpn.co.uk.
