Employability outreach for young people

Soft skills support for young people on social housing estate

Introduction

In summer 2010 eight HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) volunteers delivered employability workshops co-developed with a housing association to support young residents aged 16-19 toward successful careers. The estate is based in an area in North Westminster which is in the top 10% for unemployment in the UK.

Project Description

The workshops were delivered within the context of a wider summer employability programme. Twenty-five young people attended. Each workshop was focused on strengthening specific career skill-sets.

CV sessions: young people explored using their CV's to highlight previous experience and skills.
Mock interviews: helped increase confidence in personal presentation.
Workplace etiquette: young people had the opportunity to practice workplace etiquette and HMRC volunteers helped them to transfer social skills developed through socialising and in school.
Entrepreneurial workshop: creating a space for young people to nurture and bring to life their business ideas in a constructive environment whilst receiving experienced feedback.

° More confidence in working with new client groups

° More awareness of the complex challenges people can face in getting into employment

° Learnings to take back for future policy development

° Thirty five young people received support in developing career goals; honing CV's & interview techniques

° Young people felt listened to & developed a fresh perspective of the workforce

° Some have now found jobs; others, encouraged, have returned to education

Time & Talents supported the collaboration between the housing association, the local renewal partnership and HMRC. Its experience was useful in developing workshop content and provision of ground-level project delivery support. Afterwards, Time & Talents carried out 360° impact evaluation.

"Volunteering is a very good way for policy makers to get out into ‘the field’ and see for themselves how their policy may impact on people in the community, how people view government, how young people behave in the social environment and just what it will take to engage people in the Big Society concept. Policy makers should be encouraged to do more of this."

Employee volunteer

Case Study Film (3 mins)

HMRC volunteers, housing charity, and young people talk about the employability sessions and benefits of the project

Case Study Photos

HMRC volunteers conducted mock interviews with young people Click here to view more photos

"The programme was successful thanks to the flexibility of the volunteers and their understanding that they were dealing with 'hard to reach' young people"

Project Coordinator, Housing Association

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