The Apprentice

Project Summary

Huxley Associates, in partnership with Time & Talents for Westminster and Connexions, organised an opportunity for young people come into the workplace and learn about interviewing for jobs. At the end of the day two young people were selected to come back for a week of work experience at Huxley Associates. Four young people participated.

Project Details

Apprentice themed posters and invitations were created to attract NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) young people to the opportunity at Huxley Associates. Connexions was introduced as a pilot partner and project support meetings were held to plan the day and to provide tailored support to both sides. Participants in the project were chosen through a process of selection.

The employability day included

Morning workshop for a group of Connexions staff
Afternoon workshop for four young people:

Introductions from a Executive Manager and several Huxley employees
Presentation on: the basics of selling yourself, CVs, and interview techniques
Group session to brainstorm interview answers together
Solo interview practice in breakout rooms
Formal mock interviews with senior managers
Constructive feedback session, certificates given out to all, and two young people selected for work experience

Work experience
Two young people spent a week at Huxley Associates gaining tangible experience for their CVs. At the start of their placement they had induction meetings with several staff from different teams to learn about the company. They then had the chance to work with a few of those teams and undertook a variety of tasks. On most days they were taken out to lunch by colleagues. During the week the young people were given intensive support and encouragement to call client companies to put themselves forward for interviews. On the last day of their placements both young people secured real job interviews.

° Raised morale and increased motivation at work

° Knowing that a difference can be and has been made in the community

° Enhanced profile, contribution to Huxley/SThree reputation, CSR goals and aims.

° A valuable tool-kit for the repeat of this type of project

° Participants gained an intimate introduction to the workplace environment

° Strong emphasis on transferable skills throughout tasks and workshops

° Tangible experience of workshops and work experience enhanced CVs, confidence levels and interview presentation skills

"I didn’t take it serious, but when I came here and put my heart into it, I realised all these opportunities open to me and what I can get”

Young person

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A realistic interview process proved thought provoking and motivating

Project Objectives

Employer Partner

Staff to use their work place environment as a way of supporting young people within the community
Build on mentoring and communication skills
Enhance SThee / Huxley Associates reputation and work towards CSR goals

Community

Young people to have opportunity to learn about the work environment, improve their CV's and the possibility of one weeks' work experience
Improving communication skills, confidence and experience in the work place

The experience was enhanced for young participants by being in a corporate environment

Quotes

Young people: "I didn’t take it serious, but when I came here and put my heart into it, I realised all these opportunities open to me and what I can get”. “They taught me how to prepare, tips, and then the chance to practice how it all works."

Employees: "I learnt that we can make a difference to people who we would normally not communicate with". "There was a lot of work and planning required to make the day successful, having to co-ordinate a project like this will certainly benefit me in the future."

Connexions team leader: “These young people will never be the same again because of this experience.”

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