Employers help young people with their Next Steps
A range of local and national employers and BEBP Community Volunteers gave up their time on Friday 8th February to support young people at the Next Steps employability event. The aim of the session held at the Central Library in Bromley was to help the young people, who may have more barriers than most, to be better prepared for their transition to the world of work.
Representatives who worked closely with groups of young people included those from Barnardos, Bell Group, Department for Work & Pensions (Job Centre Plus), FM Conway, London South East Colleges, MyTime Active, Specac, Transport for London and Waterman Group. Over 30 young people from Glebe School, Bromley Beacon Academy, Children in Care or Care Leavers and others referred from LBB departments benefitted from meeting the employers. The morning involved keynote presentations and speed networking sessions as well as the chance to have a mock interview with an employer representative. London South East Colleges provided information on courses available at the College as well as information on the breadth of apprenticeships and how to access them.
Feedback from those accompanying the young people was very positive and they thought the most important aspect was meeting with the employers in a supported environment. Emma Foinette, a tutor from the Home & Hospital Tuition Service said ‘It was good to open the young people’s eyes to transferrable skills and different options available to them’.
Janet Bailey, Director of Children’s Social Services, was able to come along and see first-hand how the young people were benefitting from the session and commented ‘Great event, great employers and great young people – this event was an opportunity to ensure that the young people of Bromley have the best opportunities of employment and work skills for the future. It was a pleasure to be invited and witness this event first hand.’
