Checkatrade and Leeds Rhinos Partner to Help Support NEETs

• Checkatrade and Leeds Rhinos announce partnership to address lack of skills, opportunities and apprenticeships for young people in the North 

• Partnership launches in National Apprenticeship Week with start-your-business workshops, one year free Checkatrade memberships for all trade businesses within the Leeds Rhinos Foundation network and a new Apprenticeship Portal to help kickstart careers
  
  
• Upcoming plans include a Skills Summit convening policymakers and leaders to address skills and workforce challenges and ‘Rhino-vation’ days, with community initiatives focused on improving local spaces and supporting grassroots pride and participation
  
  
• Announcement follows new data revealing seven in ten Leeds residents are concerned about the number of young people out of work in the city - with a lack of job and training opportunities a key reason

Checkatrade, the UK’s leading home improvement platform, has today announced a strategic partnership with British rugby league team Leeds Rhinos, built on shared values of hard work, pride and resilience, and a joint ambition to support skills, opportunity and economic growth across the North.

Launched during National Apprenticeship Week, the partnership brings Checkatrade and Leeds Rhinos together to help reverse the emerging crisis of NEETs (young people not in education, employment or training), by making it easier for them to start trade businesses, develop skills pathways and contribute to economic growth.

It is aimed at addressing a clear need in the city. New polling data commissioned by Checkatrade reveals that almost seven in ten residents (68%) are concerned about the number of young people in Leeds who are currently out of work. Six in ten (58%) point to a lack of job opportunities, while even more (81%) do not believe schools and colleges in the area are doing enough to develop the skills young people need for the world of work.

Improving the volume and quality of apprenticeships in the area was highlighted by residents as the number one thing they believe should be prioritised in order to improve skills and employment prospects for younger generations. This was followed by ‘retraining people to develop new skills’.

The partnership has been designed as a collaboration focused on meaningful, practical impact, with Checkatrade as an Associate Partner of Leeds Rhinos and an Official Partner of the Leeds Rhinos Foundation. It will be rooted in a strong cultural alignment between elite sport and skilled trades, where success is driven by graft, consistency and doing things right.

Jamie Jones-Buchanan MBE, CEO, Leeds Rhinos said: “I have been fortunate throughout my life to have been given some incredible opportunities through my involvement with Leeds Rhinos. Firstly as a player, running onto the field for my boyhood club, and now as CEO and a custodian for the legacy of this great club. I am delighted with this new partnership with Checkatrade, especially the focus on supporting the young people of our city. As a father of a young man embarking on his own apprenticeship, I know how much apprenticeships have to offer for the individual, but almost as importantly what those who gain those skills can offer to their own communities. I look forward to seeing the partnership go from strength to strength in the years ahead.”

Jambu Palaniappan, CEO, Checkatrade said: “With our commitment to excellence, grit and building pride in the community, Checkatrade and Leeds Rhinos are natural partners. Tackling the problem of youth unemployment and boosting economic growth demands collaboration between trusted organisations with the reach to make a difference. By working together, we have an opportunity to support the next generation of skilled tradespeople and play a part in growing the North’s future workforce.”

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, commented: “Everyone in West Yorkshire deserves the chance to boost their skills and secure good, well-paid work. Apprenticeships and skills training play a vital role in supporting businesses, strengthening our communities, and driving economic growth across the region.”

Key commitments include:

Checkatrade Starter Kit
Checkatrade is offering to cover 12 months’ free Checkatrade membership for all trade businesses affiliated to teams within the Leeds Rhinos Foundation network. This will give new and existing trades approved membership worth over £400 each, and access to vetting, TradeMore to manage their business admin, Checkatrade Pay and job bookings.

Start Your Business Workshops
A series of workshops delivered with Leeds Rhinos to support people considering a career in the trades and open up clear, supported pathways into skilled work. These sessions will reach individuals before they launch their businesses.

Skills Summit
Co-hosted by Checkatrade and Leeds Rhinos, the summit will bring together regional decision-makers, including the Mayor and local leaders, as part of the wider programme to address skills and workforce challenges.

Community ‘Rhino-vation’ Days
Practical, hands-on community initiatives focused on improving local spaces and supporting grassroots pride and participation.

To coincide with National Apprenticeship Week and the parliamentary inquiry on tackling the youth NEET crisis, Checkatrade has also launched its new Apprenticeship Portal offering exclusive apprentice benefits, discounts, training resources, and career tools to help young people succeed.

Source : Checkatrade

Image : (L-R) Wade White, Leeds Rhino Academy player and apprentice; Emma Grant, Head of Trade Engagement, Checkatrade; Jamie Jones-Buchanan MBE, CEO, Leeds Rhinos; Finn Beaumont, apprentice at Leeds Rhinos stadium and attends Leeds College of Building. 

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