Workforce Development (UK): The UK government and major retailers have launched “Opening Shift,” a new supported work-experience programme for 18- to 24-year-olds who are NEET, offering 11,000 placements (2–4 weeks), 16–35 hours of hands-on work weekly, workplace support, interview practice, and travel help, with a possible job offer afterward. Career Pathways (Sri Lanka): A new “Construction Assistants” training programme aims to make construction roles more dignified and secure, tackling the stigma and informal hiring that keep young people out; the first cohort of 40 starts training. College-to-Work (US): Kankakee Community College opens registration for an Oct. 7 career & internship fair connecting students and employers with jobs, internships, apprenticeships, and job-shadowing. HR & Hiring Climate (UK): UK vacancies have fallen to 707,000 (May–July 2026) while redundancies rise, signaling HR teams must manage hiring and restructuring at the same time. Diversity & Inclusion (US): Auburn University highlights LGBTQ+ job-finding and career-advancement resources for students, including guidance on navigating non-binary career challenges. Paid Leave (US): Allegheny County’s paid parental leave plan is expected to be scaled back, with employers and eligibility questions driving revisions.