Introducing the FUSION Blueprint

Bridging the gap between employers and our young workforce.

Do you struggle to attract and keep young people in your workforce? If you do you are not alone, but did you know that young people aged 16 – 24 are one of the most underutilised sources of talent in the UK? The FUSION Blueprint aims to change this, supporting you in making those first crucial steps to transform the experience of young people in work.

It’s not based on theory, or the latest framework. The FUSION Blueprint is grounded in the experience and insights of employers that have been on our FUSION programme, employers who successfully engage with young people, and experts in the field of human resources, recruitment, neurodiversity, business consultancy & coaching and psychology.

The Four Must Dos for Supporting Young People

If you are ready to make a difference in your workplace for young people these are the four must dos you need to have in place.

Understand

Who is Gen Z and what do they actually need?

Attract

How do you become a business that young people want to work for?

Welcome

How do you bring people in well and build trust from day one?

Keep

How do you create the conditions for young people to stay, grow, and contribute?

What is Fusion?

FUSION is an innovative programme designed for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) that want to do better at attracting and keeping young people. It comprises of six workshops across three days, exploring all aspects of a young employee’s life cycle, and brings together employers, expert advisors, and the voices of Gen Z themselves.

This is not a traditional training course. It is not based on lectures, giving you a list of things to do based on theories or ideas. Instead it creates the conditions for you, as an employer to examine your own practice honestly, by hearing directly from young people, industry experts and employers who successful engage with young people so that you learn from each other, and decide for yourself what needs to change, that is within your control to change .

FUSION is delivered across York and North Yorkshire, funded by the Department for Work and Pensions Get Britain Working Economic Inactivity Trailblazer, commissioned by the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.

“FUSION has been the best few days of support I have ever received”. – Participating employer

Hear more about FUSION:

Why is Fusion Needed?

12.5% of 16 - 24 year olds are NEET, not in education, employment or training which is an 11-year high and at risk of growing if we don’t do things differently.
44% of Gen Z needed extra support in school but only 6% would ask their employer for it.
43% of employers incorrectly believed salary is Gen Z's strongest motivator.

Business Stories

Adam Atkinson • The Wenlock Arms • Hospitality

Adam reflects on how his perceptions of Gen Z have shifted.

He came into the Fusion programme with common misconceptions that young people are obsessed with social media and technology.

Through the FUSION workshop, his perspective changed, helping him better understand how Gen Z view the workplace, and even how they may see older generations.

What stood out most was bringing like‑minded business owners together in a safe space to challenge assumptions and explore how to become better, more inclusive recruiters.

Sarah • Piglets Adventure Farm • Leisure

Hear from Sarah from Piglets about her experience of FUSION.

Hear from what employers, Holly and Jane, had to say about the FUSION programme.

Hear from what employers, Hayley and Bronwyn, had to say about the FUSION programme.

Hear from what employers, Hayley and Bronywn, had to say about the FUSION programme.

Hear from what employers, Adam and Brian, had to say about the FUSION programme.

A Blueprint for Success

This programme is supported by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, using funding from the Department for Work and Pensions’ Get Britain Working Economic Inactivity Trailblazer.