EY commits to youth employment: 55,000 traineeships and 35,000 internships by 2020 across Europe

- Joins Alliance for YOUth to address high levels of youth unemployment

- Becomes signatory of the European Commission's European Alliance for Apprenticeships, which promotes traineeships, apprenticeship schemes and initiatives across Europe

LONDON, June 23, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- EY announces plan to offer 55,000 traineeships and 35,000 internships by 2020 across Europe on the day it joins the Alliance for YOUth, an initiative through which leading businesses will help to address high levels of youth unemployment in many parts of Europe.

The move – part of EY's commitment to building a better working world by supporting employment for young people – recognizes the role businesses can play by providing high-quality jobs, as well as valuable work experience opportunities.

As part of our membership, EY also will become a signatory of the European Commission's European Alliance for Apprenticeships, which promotes traineeship and apprenticeship schemes.

Signing the European Alliance for Apprenticeships pledge, EY's EMEIA Managing Partner, Mark Otty says:

"These commitments demonstrate the power of collaboration to develop high-impact solutions to youth unemployment, one of the most intractable economic and social challenges we face today. The Alliance for YOUth members will work hard to improve the skills, confidence and outlook of young people."

A ceremony launching the Alliance for YOUth and the signing of the European Alliance for Apprenticeships is being held in Lisbon, Portugal, today, and will be attended by EY Portugal's Country Managing Partner, Joao Alves. Other high-profile attendees will include the President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso and senior leaders from member companies including Nestle, the founder of the Alliance for YOUth.

For future updates around EY's commitment to youth employment please visit: www.ey.com/youthjobcreation.

Notes to editors

About EY

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This news release has been issued by EYGM Limited, a member of the global EY organization that also does not provide any services to clients.

The Alliance for YOUth pledge

The Alliance for YOUth is an alliance of leading companies in Europe who recognize that youth unemployment is a major social and economic issue on the continent and are committed to helping to solve it. The Alliance for YOUth pledges to:

1) Be an active member of the European Commission's European Alliance for Apprenticeships – promoting apprenticeships and training and being active ambassadors for this approach across Europe.
2) Develop a number of joint initiatives to give young people meaningful work experience and internships.
3) Mobilize employees to go out into the community and help young people get 'Ready for Work' by offering CV preparation and interview advice.

Gregor Ridley
EY Global Media Relations
+44 207 980 0597
gregor.ridley@uk.ey.com