Employability Workshop

Run by Spencer Stuart @ a local Westminster school

Project Summary

16 volunteers from Spencer Stuart ran an employability workshop for Paddington Academy students. The volunteers, with the support of the Academy’s careers and guidance team, worked with the students in groups to develop CV writing and interview preparation techniques.

Project Details

Participating students took part in a 3 month-pilot programme run by the Academy to help students as they enter BTEC courses. Many of these students did not gain 'good' GCSE results and required additional support through practical-based and flexible learning activities designed to suit their needs. This project was designed as a way to engage with these students who were potentially at risk of becoming NEET (not in employment education or training) and encourage them to attain their highest potential through enhancing their skills and work prospects.

° Interpersonal & leadership skills; team building in new environment; new appreciation of colleagues skills set and talents

° Raised morale and increased motivation & performance back at work

° Increased confidence in working with new client groups and new ideas brought back into the organisation

° Greater awareness of the needs within the community

° School students gained experience and knowledge, and exposure to the world of work.

° Tools developed by the volunteers, including videos and handouts, were put to use in applied learning scenarios which for students resulted in developing practical skills and knowledge, tangibly helping them pursue their careers

° Positive role models, boosting confidence and motivation for future careers

"The volunteers were very professional – they took over the planning of the activities and came up with the video and toolkit."

School staff

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Volunteers

Students were well briefed and most seem to be receptive to the employability workshop. The Academy prepared students in the run up to the workshop to start seriously considering their education/work options; students were subsequently in the right frame of mind during the workshop.
Main challenge: Getting the right pitch – not too patronising and not too complex

Community (School)

"The volunteers were very professional – they took over the planning of the activities and came up with the video and toolkit." Paddington Academy staff
"Having people from the world of work come into the school has been wonderful, and the students found the day very motivating and inspiring. Having lots of volunteers meant the students got a higher level of support in comparison to a normal class scenario of 1 teacher to 30 students." Principal of Paddington Academy

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