Abbie Vlahakis, CEO of Millennium Point and Deputy Lieutenant, discusses her journey from the private sector to the charity sector, emphasising the importance of community engagement and mentorship for young people.

She highlights the mission of Millennium Point in inspiring education and careers in STEM fields, addressing the skills gap and youth unemployment in Birmingham.

Abbie advocates for collective efforts among businesses, local authorities, and educational institutions to create opportunities for young people and equip them with the necessary skills for the future workforce.

• Abbie Vlahakis is the CEO of Millennium Point and a Deputy Lieutenant.
• Millennium Point focuses on inspiring education and careers in STEM.
• Community engagement is a key aspect of Abbie's role.
• Transitioning from the private sector to charity work can be fulfilling.
• Mentorship is crucial for young people's development.
• Youth unemployment in Birmingham is significantly high at 14%.
• Employers need to create opportunities for young people.
• The education system needs to adapt to better support diverse learning styles.
• Innovative approaches in STEM education can engage students effectively.
• Collective efforts are necessary to address the skills gap.

00:00 Introduction and Background of Abbie Vlahakis

01:52 Role and Responsibilities as Deputy Lieutenant

04:16 Understanding Millennium Point and Its Mission

05:54 Transition from Private Sector to Charity Work

08:15 The Importance of Mentorship for Young People

10:42 Addressing Youth Employment and Skills Gap

13:00 Creating Opportunities for the Next Generation

17:59 Reevaluating Recruitment Processes

20:37 Youth Employment Challenges

22:00 Collective Efforts for Inclusive Growth

22:28 The Importance of Human Skills

23:15 Addressing Diverse Learning Needs

24:15 Championing Creative Minds

26:15 The Role of Employers in Education

27:41 Engaging with Local Authorities

28:47 Investing in Future Generations

30:21 Innovative Approaches in STEM Education

31:14 Long-Term Vision for Workforce Development

33:17 Building Community for Future Workforce

35:28 Concluding Thoughts on Youth Potential