Rob da Bank.
AN Isle of Wight charity has organised a major conference aimed at helping young people lost in the transition between education and employment.
The conference, to be held in London on November 23, has been inspired and organised by UKSA, the Cowes-based youth education and maritime training charity.
In attendance will be the charity’s patron, the Princess Royal, BBC Radio 1 DJ and Bestival curator Rob da Bank, and representatives from government and youth and employment agencies.
Sixty young people aged between 16 and 24 from across the country will attend the event and be given a voice.
The theme is the difficulties of transition between education and work.
Several key listeners have been invited, including MPs and representatives from the National Careers Service, National Apprenticeship Service, JobCentre Plus, Academies Enterprise Trust, Harris Academies, Prince’s Trust and P3.
Questions will include whether schools do enough to prepare students for the world of work and why so many young people are out of work.
Simon Davies, director of youth development at UKSA, said: "This conference is a way of giving young people a voice. I am hoping we can provide the key listeners with information so they can improve things, as there are lots of people who come up with policies but do not engage with the young people.
"It will also be an opportunity for employers to educate young people about what they are looking for in a young person starting work.
Rob da Bank said: "Helping with youth problems is one of my biggest passions and the conference will give young people a platform."
• You can join the debate on Facebook on iamnotanumberdebate and Twitter on @join_the_debate, where you can follow the progress of the event as it unfolds and find out the results afterwards.
To sponsor part of the conference, e-mail jointhedebate@uksa.org