JD Sports Launches Major Careers Initiative in Manchester to Support Young People
JD Sports, the Greater Manchester-based sportswear retailer, has brought its biggest-ever careers event to Manchester this week, aiming to help thousands of young people into work and combat youth unemployment across the region. The JD UP event, held at Manchester Central, represents a significant effort by the company to provide career pathways and inspiration for the next generation.
Event Details and High-Profile Attendance
The event has invited 10,000 attendees from more than 70 local schools to engage with 28 different departments from JD Sports, showcasing opportunities in retail and beyond. This Manchester edition follows previous successful events in Madrid and London, with a particular emphasis on artificial intelligence and technology sectors. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham participated in the sessions, highlighting the event's importance for the community.
Other notable speakers included the creator collective Bov Boys and live streamer Angryginge, adding a modern, relatable touch to the proceedings. The event features sessions covering a wide range of fields, from retail and law to finance and technology, ensuring a diverse array of career insights for young attendees.
Executive Insights and Social Impact
Régis Schultz, Chief Executive Officer at JD Sports, emphasized the event's role in addressing youth unemployment, noting that nearly one million young people in the UK are currently not in work or education. He stated, "This year's JD UP will be a blockbuster event for helping young people to get the 'work bug'. We are convinced that our biggest JD UP event will make a real difference."
Schultz also highlighted the JD Foundation's impact, which has supported over 17,500 young people across the UK and Spain, with plans to expand the JD UP initiative to the USA in the future.
Nicola Kowalczuk, Chief Growth Officer at JD Sports, added, "Events like this are powerful because they close the gap between potential and opportunity, helping every young person see a pathway that feels possible, practical, and right for them." She praised the involvement of JD colleagues, who share their personal career journeys, including setbacks and breakthroughs, to make success more tangible for young attendees.
Community Engagement and Future Prospects
The JD UP programme reflects JD Sports' long-term commitment to social impact, focusing on providing careers insight, networks, and real-world exposure to young people. Kowalczuk noted the positive response from attendees, who benefit from practical guidance on apprenticeships, work experience, and post-school pathways.
This initiative underscores the company's role as a global brand rooted in youth culture, stepping up to create meaningful opportunities that unlock ambition and build trust within communities. The event's success in Manchester sets a precedent for future editions, aiming to inspire and empower the next generation across the UK and beyond.
