CASE STUDY
Movement to Work
A summit designed to listen first
Movement to Work | In partnership with BT Group
For many young people entering the workforce, the hardest part is often being heard.
Movement to Work created its annual Youth Summit to change that. The aim was to create a platform where young people could speak openly about their lived experience of seeking work and know that employers were genuinely listening.
Returning for a second year, Powwow supported the team in shaping an environment where that balance felt right. Young people were placed at the centre of the programme, facilitating sessions and leading roundtables alongside BT youth ambassadors. Employers took part as participants (not just keynote speakers) which meant listening, asking questions, and learning peer-to-peer.
“Employers took part as participants (not just keynote speakers) which meant listening, asking questions, and learning peer-to-peer.”
The format combined panels, presentations and small-group discussions, giving space for honest conversation without turning lived experience into performance.
Care was taken to ensure the setting felt respectful and safe, allowing young people to contribute confidently and gain experience in presenting and public speaking.
The conversations didn’t stop at the venue. Insights gathered throughout the summit were collated and shared to help shape Movement to Work’s forward-looking strategy and inform key stakeholders.
Employers left with a clearer understanding of the challenges young job seekers face. Young people left knowing their voices carried weight.
“A huge thanks for everything — the summit couldn’t have gone any better. It was seamless and your support with planning and the running of the event is hugely appreciated.”
Young people took the mic
That simple shift changed the tone of the room. Employers weren’t presenting, they were listening. See how we design events that create real impact.
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