Charity scheme aims to equip service users with employment skills

Action For Children have launched a nationwide project that aims to equip young people with the basic skills and knowledge to help them into employment or training.

In partnership with Barclays and following a successful pilot, the ‘Skills for Success’ programme of workshops and drop-in advice services is aiming to help 22,000 young people already supported by the charity’s projects over a 13-month period.

Chief executive Sir Tony Hawkhead said: “A job is more than just ‘what you do’, it is a part of who you are and gives people a sense of worth.

“Young people across the country have told us they don’t feel employable, and feel uncertain, lack confidence and are not getting the support and advice they need. Those that Action for Children supports have the additional burden of coping with turbulent, often traumatic lives. For them, the risk of unemployment and the financial, social and emotional problems that often come with it are even greater.

“Giving the most vulnerable young people the right support and advice to help them get on the job ladder is vital, and with our new programme, Skills for Success, we hope to be able to help thousands of youngsters over the coming year.”

Christina Peters, 17, from London, is a college student and a young carer for her mother, who has suffered two severe strokes. She attended several pilot workshops in 2014 and has now secured part-time employment working at football stadiums in the capital on Saturdays and evenings.

She said: “My dream job is to be a flight attendant and travel the world. But last year I didn’t even have a Saturday job or know how to get one. I didn’t even know how to write a CV. The workshops I went to taught me CV writing and interview skills.

“I know it sounds basic but learning how to dress and behave at interviews was all new to me. The workshops also gave me confidence and helped me to believe that I could get a job. I now work as a hostess at football stadiums and I have to deal with a lot of customers. All this customer service experience is a great first step to achieve the career I want.”

The news comes following an Action for Children survey of 2,000 15 to 26-year-olds across the UK which revealed more than half (53 per cent) of young people feel nervous about their employment prospects.

One in seven (15 per cent) felt that they can never have the career they want, with 41 per cent citing not having the right skills, experience or training as the most common reason.

For more, visit: http://www.actionforchildren.org.uk