Rochdale retailer Paul Turner-Mitchell is struck by young people's stories of seeking work at today's Greater Manchester Youth Summit. He calls for action in a real crisis, with a quarter of under-24s in the north west jobless
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Young people are taking the biggest hit in the 'no growth' economy. But retailers need and want apprentices. Freezing business rates could square the circle. Photograph: Alamy
Today saw the Greater Manchester Youth Summit, a call for local action and a fantastic platform for young people. Be under no illusion, there is a youth unemployment crisis here in the North West. Over 130,000 of those aged 16-24 – one in four young people active in the labour market, are unemployed, the highest level for almost 25 years.
It was heart wrenching to listen to some of those young people struggling to find work, almost pleading to given a chance, trying desperately to change a stereotypical view many people have of the youth of today. The message that they conveyed was loud and clear: give youth a chance.
Like many other sectors, retail has had a difficult few years and the high street has really been lashed by the harsh winds of recession, particularly here in the North West.
But despite the challenges we face, we should never forget the strong position retail occupies. It remains the biggest private sector employer in the country and one which provides 40 per cent of employment to under-20s. It is absolutely critical to UKPLC.
At a time when the high street is going through a painful transition, I take the view that young blood is needed more than ever. Building the high street of the future will require energy, innovation and endless enthusiasm. Young people are both the spenders and shopkeepers of a future that must be built on a foundation of youth.
Which brings me to apprenticeships and the understanding of what retail is all about. There are lots of misconceptions about our trade, one of which is that anyone can do it. They can't. At least not successfully.
Like many careers, those who excel in retail are those who learn the craft of their profession and acquire what, in the golden age of management half a century ago, would have been called domain knowledge. That is to learn on the job and absorb information from those who know their trade.
For small business employers like me, this is the approach that works best. We take on apprentices, and train them in accordance with our own values and aspirations, immersing them in our own customer service culture and making sure they understand our business ethos.
It's about a route giving young people a genuine alternative to further education as well as beginning long-term careers. Nurturing, mentoring and making young people an integral part of our business.
Shopping. Customers appreciate an experienced, helping hand. Photograph: Fuse/Getty Images/Fuse Developing talent in the workplace is absolutely key to driving business success and building a motivated and satisfied workforce. This is what apprenticeships are all about. Creating enthusiasm and commitment, improving quality and productivity, building a strong knowledge base and creating an environment where everyone can strive for excellence.
Apprenticeships can also unlock the wider problem of growth in our economy. Investing in your business, in local communities and local people is a win-win situation. It helps increase business capacity and gives people the skills they need to succeed at work.
But let's not forget that businesses need to have the financial room to invest in apprenticeships. With tight margins, low consumer confidence and high overheads this is not easy. One way in which Government can help to give businesses the chance of investing in apprenticeships is by freezing business rates next year.
The business rate increase next year, if not postponed, will cost Greater Manchester businesses £26.69 million. To get the scale of that additional tax burden, that is enough financial muscle to devote to employing 5,540 apprentices across Greater Manchester.
Although we need to view apprenticeships as an asset not a cost, we can't ever lose sight of the fact that businesses need to have the confidence to invest. Helping to restore this critical ingredient can pave the way for a real, sustainable road out of recession, built by the huge untapped reservoir of talent in our young people.
Paul Turner-Mitchell owns Rochdale's 25 Ten boutique, writes columns for Drapers and Retail Week and contributed to Mary Portas' high street review. He was recently included in the Drapers 2011 top 100 Powerlist as one of the most influential people in fashion. Last month on the Guardian Northerner he invited Ed Miliband to work for a day in the Rochdale shop. The Labour leader is considering it.