BEEP received a very welcome boost thanks to the sale of Rugby World Cup 2015 banners and bunting used to promote the tournament in Exeter. Pin badges, lanyards, mini balls and other accessories donated by Rugby England 2015 were also sold to raise money. Three England squad players from Exeter Chiefs, Jack Nowell, Geoff Parling and Henry Slade supported the sale by signing two limited edition rugby balls. Councillor Rosie Denham, Lead Councillor for Economy and Culture, presenting the cheque said: “The legacy of Rugby World Cup 2015 is strong in Exeter, and the sale of memorabilia will support the tremendous work of the BEEP programme, part of which is led by enthusiastic volunteers in the business sector to mentor and support young people and give them the confidence to adapt to the sometimes daunting world of work. The project began as part of the Rugby World Cup 2015 Legacy programme and has seen so much success for the young people that it has been adopted by the wider business community. This donation will go towards the next 10-day course once funds have been raised from other sources.” The Exeter & Heart of Devon Employment and Skills Board aims to help create a ‘local world-class workforce where every individual matters’ and encourages employers to help BEEP make a positive difference to the lives of young people so that they can become part of a skilled and committed workforce.
Ben Bradshaw MP finds out about BEEP. (L to R Sandra, Matt, Llewellyn, Ben and Aaron) Photo: Matt Austin
Ben Bradshaw, MP for Exeter, met with young people and their mentors and employers at an event hosted by Everys Solicitors in Exeter to learn more about the Business Powering Employment Programme (BEEP). He said “It was great to meet Aaron and Matt and find out how BEEP is helping them. It’s really fantastic that they have moved into work and training and are doing so well, as they continue to receive support from their mentors”.
Mentee Matt Baker, 20, from Exeter, said: “The mentoring has been brilliant for me. I meet with Llewellyn quite regularly and it’s pushing me forwards. I’m at Exeter College, and know what I want to do next, to get the qualifications I need to help students with learning difficulties. I’ve got short term and longer term goals and that’s thanks to BEEP. It would be great if the programme keeps growing so more people can benefit.”
Llewellyn Nicholls, Head of Business Development and Marketing at Everys Solicitors and Matt’s mentor, said: “It’s been hugely rewarding being a mentor to Matt. He has developed hugely over the past few months. His initial goals have now been realised and he’s firmly on the career ladder. His determination has really shone through.”
The programme (initially called REEP) used Rugby World Cup 2015 legacy funds and generous support from Exeter and Heart of Devon Employment and Skills Board partners but is now being expanded to support more young people across Devon. Support from businesses across Devon is needed if the programme is to reach its potential. Companies can support BEEP through a range of partnership opportunities, including sponsorship and mentor training, which supports the personal development of employees through becoming a mentor.
Ben Bradshaw said “It’s important now that companies get involved and support, because these are our future employees and have so much to offer if we can work with them and help them develop the skills and confidence to move forwards in their lives.”
Sandra Sampson, Director of Motiv-8sw, who has been helping to run the programme said “It’s transforming. Often the young people have been out of work or education for some time, have lost their confidence and are at a low ebb. The programme is already delivering fantastic results, genuinely helping to turn people’s lives around, but we really need to scale it up so we can help more.”
BEEP helps young people learn through performance coaching techniques and then on-going support from a mentor. Over 95 per cent of those who have been on the programme have gone on to secure work and training opportunities. As well as making a huge difference to the life of a young person, the programme provides benefits for mentors. BEEP delivers training to all mentors, equipping them with transferable skills which can be used in the workplace.
Organisations interested in getting involved and supporting the programme, should contact Sandra Sampson at Motiv-8sw on 01392 873939 and sandra@motiv-8sw.co.uk or visit BEEP.
Employers are invited to attend a free Business Breakfast taking place on Friday 11th March 08:00-09:30 supported by Santander Corporate & Commercial Bank, at Pynes Hill, Exeter, on behalf of the Exeter and Heart of Devon Employment and Skills Board.
The Business Breakfast will provide information and advice to employers on the benefits of tapping in to top talent through the Higher and Graduate apprenticeship route and is part of the National Apprenticeship Week 2016, which runs between 14th and 18th March.
This event will be beneficial to employers who are looking to grow their own top talent, as well as those who have already benefitted from employing Intermediate and Advanced level apprentices and would like to explore Higher or Graduate apprenticeships. Businesses which operate in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Knowledge Based Industries (KBI) are encouraged to attend, as are those who are interested in finding out about the new Degree Apprenticeships at the University of Exeter. The Exeter and Heart of Devon Employment and Skills Board encourages high quality apprenticeships across all sectors and levels, with particular interest in technical and higher entry level apprenticeships.
Simon McGinnes from The University of Exeter, will talk about the exciting new initiative of Degree Apprenticeships in Digital and Technology Solutions. Also included on the agenda are presentations from successful apprentice employers and the opportunity for a question and answer session within an expert panel discussion. Representatives from the local Apprenticeship Ambassador Network will be available to provide more information and insights during networking time.
The introduction of the apprenticeship levy from April 2017 will encourage employers to think more about benefitting from apprenticeships. Funding opportunities for employers and apprentices have changed with the Government making a significant contribution to Graduate apprentice tuition fees.
Apprenticeships are fast becoming an alternative route into gaining knowledge and skills for the workplace. This increase in work-based learning is growing noticeably, Exeter College anticipates that apprenticeship enrolments are set to exceed those enrolling into ‘A’ Level routes.
All of these interesting and timely topics will be discussed at the event, which is free to attend and includes breakfast and corporate hospitality.
Places are limited to 40 and businesses who would like to take part should register here or contact the Exeter and Heart of Devon Employment and Skills for further information by emailing oenone.thomas@exeter.gov.uk or ringing 01392 265344 by 4 March 2016.
Up for grabs are banners, flags and bunting used to decorate the city during the Tournament in September and October when Sandy Park hosted 3 pool matches.
All proceeds of the sale will be split between the Lord Mayor’s charity, the Exeter Foundation, and ‘BEEP’, Business Empowering Employment Programme, a successful Exeter Rugby World Cup 2015 legacy project which attracted the attention of HRH Prince Harry when he visited Exeter during Rugby World Cup 2015. BEEP makes a positive difference to the lives of young people between 16 and 24 years who are struggling to take their first steps on the career ladder.
Councillor Rosie Denham, Lead Councillor for Economy and Culture, said: “This is a great opportunity for the residents of Exeter to claim a piece of Rugby World Cup 2015 memorabilia and donate to a worthwhile local cause. Some of the items are one-off or very limited stock, so we are expecting them to sell out very quickly. The City Council raises money on behalf of the Lord Mayor’s Charity each year and we felt it appropriate to share the proceeds of the sale with one of our most successful Rugby World Cup legacy projects, the BEEP programme which has already seen a number of young people successfully employed as a result of the training programme.”
Some items are very low stock so people are being asked to order early to avoid disappointment. All items are pre-used and will be in post-display condition; therefore some items may be slightly marked or environmentally soiled. Lamp post banners do not come with fixings for hanging.
Due to the size and weight of the items, this is a cash-only and collection-only sale. Pre-ordered items via the website are to be paid for upon collection from Exeter City Council, Civic Centre, Paris Street, Exeter, by prior arrangement only (see website for details). The sale ends at 12pm on 14 January 2016.
Increasingly employers are using employability networking tools to identify potential employees, contact partners or raise awareness. Professional networking tools and social media provide platforms for individuals to showcase their skills, work history and interests. How do young people from the age of 16 improve their employability in this online space?
We’ve been alerted to a free, multi-language, employability networking tool for young people called ‘You Rock’. You Rock not only has a graphical interface which sets it apart from more ‘traditional’ approaches, but it asks the user about their part-time work, interests and school/college activities. This diagnostic aspect helps young people identify their skills and strengths and displays them as a ‘personalised diamond’ which distorts to show their relative strengths. It is particularly helpful for individuals starting with little or no work history. Like other professional networking tools skills can be endorsed and links created to content elsewhere. You Rock is still under development but it already has thousands of users across mainland Europe.
To get a flavour compare the front pages of the profiles of two different people below. The Primary Skill Group on the left is ‘communication’ and on the right ‘organisational’:
At the last Exeter and Heart of Devon Employment and Skills Board full meeting we discussed You Rock and decided to seriously consider planning a pilot project to collect feedback from young people, schools/colleges and employers. If you may be interested in participating please contact Oenone Thomas.
Come along and find out about the Big Bang South West 2016 Event. How you can take part and what it could do for you…
Judges at The Big Bang Fair, Photo by Pinnacle
You are invited to celebrate the launch of The Big Bang South West, the region’s largest celebration of youth Science and Engineering. During 2015/16 The Big Bang will reach over 12,000 young people in the South West. The year’s activity culminates in the headline event hosted by the University of Exeter where we are joined by 2,000 young people who are talented, creative and bursting with enthusiasm for a career in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.
The event fuels the future talent pool in the region and is the perfect place for students to discover career opportunities on their doorstep. It gives employers a chance to highlight their offer and stop the migration of talent out of the South West.
The success of The Big Bang South West is built on a fantastic partnership of education and employers. There are numerous opportunities throughout the year to be a part of it. You could be a competition judge, a project mentor, an exhibitor at the Fair or, an event sponsor helping to make this Big Bang the best regional event in the country.
The Big Bang South West 2016 Launch is:
on Wednesday 11 November
at Exeter Science Park, Babbage Way Clyst Honiton EX5 2FN GB
between 17:00 and 18:00 hours.
To view the Big Bang 2015 videos and gallery click here.
Aaron and Dan prepare for RWC 2015 Tonga v Namibia match (c) Nick Hook
What do a young person, a Managing Director, a local charity, a national retailer and the Army have in common? They are all part of a journey originally designed to help Aaron move from worklessness towards employment but which turned out to be something much, much more…
Aaron–The Young Person–the mentee
Aaron, has mingled with business leaders, watched two RWC 2015 matches and met HRH Prince Harry but his achievements have been much more profound and his prospects are even more positive. Aaron joined REEP* after leaving Southbrook School in Exeter and having struggled to get on the employment ladder. Intensely shy, quiet and lacking in self confidence, Aaron worked steadily through the intensive ten day programme presenting his vision of his future to employers on the final day. Working with Dan, his mentor, Aaron formulated an action plan, learnt new skills and gained in confidence through volunteering and working, and recently attended the Army Careers Office. Aaron has a quiet smile, a sense of purpose and now recognises that he has something to contribute too.
Dan–The Managing Director–the mentor
Dan initially became involved in REEP through Astley Media’s generous in-kind PR support of REEP. Intrigued by REEP, Dan volunteered for mentor training and, once completed, he was partnered with Aaron. Dan provides Aaron with continuity. He is a trusted and valued person who has the time and the training to mentor him, as well as providing very practical support. It was Dan who waited anxiously as Aaron went for his interview with the Army. Dan has been on a journey too. He has learnt more about young people and the challenges they face, used his mentoring skills at work and more widely, and become a champion for REEP and now BEEP˚.
Hospiscare–the Local Charity–the placement employer
Hospiscare in Devon provides high-quality care and support to the terminally ill. Much of Hospiscare’s income is derived from their charity shops. Volunteers greet customers, prepare donations for sale and work on the tills. The Cowick Street, Exeter branch and its “happy band” opened its doors to Aaron. More than a staging post, volunteering at Hospiscare has improved Aaron’s confidence, required his commitment, demanded routine and enhanced his skill set. Hospiscare gained a young volunteer, an insight into the challenges facing some young people and met Aaron, someone who will never forget the opportunity to work with Hospiscare.
Tesco–the National Retailer–the employer
Tesco Express in Exwick is Aaron’s employer. Once Aaron had gained confidence and valuable work experience at Hospiscare, he, with new positivity, and Dan began to work on his next steps. Sitting together they researched job adverts and planned a campaign. Aaron’s application to Tesco was successful and now Aaron is part of the Tesco team.
The Army–the destination–the future employer?
For Aaron, a career in the Army has become his destination. Only months ago, this seemed far too remote a dream. But now Aaron’s continued progress through training, mentoring, volunteering, employment and, most recently, his interview with the Army Career’s Office (while Dan waited patiently for him to reappear), make his future career a real possibility!
To find out more about REEP and BEEP please contact Sandra Sampson on 01392 873939 or email sandra@sampsonhall.co.uk
Work Experience enables young people to sample careers, get a real sense of a particular work sector, to demonstrate their interest and passion for the area and to get a general introduction to the world of work. We know that young people who have Work Experience are more likely to be successful in their job search, but often the quality of the Work Experience depends upon factors other than interest and motivation. Sometimes Work Experience Placements are the result of parental contacts, second preferences and the ‘luck of the draw’. Employers who host Work Experience placements vary too. Some employers see the advantage of show-casing their sector or their organisation, of talent-spotting and of Corporate Social Partnership, whilst others squeeze-in something less than the best or do not participate at all. Where Work Experience works it makes a huge difference to the young person and benefits the business too.
Our World-class Work Experience Placement pilot will, we hope, become a flagship of our work. We aim to provide un-paralleled opportunities for quality controlled, accredited, Work Experience in Exeter and the Heart of Devon. For this initiative we are teaming up with Industrial Cadets and Education Business Partnership SW. Through this pilot our employer members will provide challenging and motivating accredited one week World Class Work Experience Placements at Silver Level (30 hours) for a group of pilot schools.
At this stage our employers are each meeting with Industrial Cadets and Education Business Partnership SW to plan and accredit each Work Experience opportunity and to ensure that the necessary insurances and paperwork are in place. Once the placements are agreed they will be offered to young people in our pilot schools for young people to start the application process. Although Industrial Cadets has its roots in STEM industries we are piloting it across our complete range of employer members.
The Industrial Cadets Silver Award accreditation offers clear advantages to the young people and to their hosts as all join the Industrial Cadets Online Network with advice and tools for during and after the placement, including advertising work opportunities. Each young person who successfully completes their Work Experience receives, among other things, a certificate which details their experiences and achievements.
Our employers are enthusiastic about holding a joint graduation ceremony of all our World-class Work Experience Industrial Cadets silver award graduates in June 2016.
Once the pilot is completed we will be in a position to consider growing the scheme in more ways than one!
Celebrating with HRH Prince Harry Photo from Exeter Chiefs Official in “HRH Prince Harry Visits Sandy Park”
Ten young people who have been working hard as part of the REEP programme met HRH Prince Harry before the Nambia v Georgia RWC 2015 match at Sandy Park on 7 October. For these young people who have struggled to gain self-confidence and to make positive steps towards work, last night was a milestone and an opportunity to tell Prince Harry about their aspirations, work and the difference the REEP programme has made. Matt B who featured in a recent BBC Inside Out programme chatted to Prince Harry about his forthcoming apprenticeship organised through Exeter College and Charlie Houlden thanked Prince Harry for coming to see them and presented him with a gift of Exe Valley beers!
For Ryan, Matt and Charlie it is less than a week since they addressed an audience of business people at the Great BEEP Launch held at the Innovation Centre, University of Exeter; a testament to the increase in their new self-confidence and to the compelling nature of their achievements.
The good news is that Prince Harry, business leaders, council officials and many members of our community believe that “every individual matters” and they are ready to support and celebrate success.
We have launched a new charity BEEP (Business Empowering Employment Programme) and we are looking for businesses to get involved. If you would like to find out more visit BEEP or please contact Sandra Sampson of Motiv-8SW on 01392 873939.
Employers, business leaders, mentors, the Motiv8-SW team and REEP* partners all got together on Thursday 1 October at the Innovation Centre, University of Exeter, for ‘The Great BEEP Launch’.
All agreed the stars of the show were three young people. Matt, Charlie and Ryan captured the audience and shone! They demonstrated in a few minutes the power of the REEP initiative in helping young people to gain confidence and make positive steps towards employment. Matt, who had been featured in BBC One’s Inside Out programme, watched himself and his REEP journey as it was screened at the start of the launch. Matt, Charlie and Ryan were inspiring! Many professionals at The Great BEEP Launch would have declined the opportunity to address the audience and yet these young people, who only months ago, felt ‘written off’ kept everyone in rapt attention.
The Great BEEP Launch aims to make the immensely successful REEP sustainable by replacing Rugby (RWC 2015 Legacy Funding) with Business support. In order to do this a new charity BEEP (Business Empowering Employment Programme) has been set-up and business engagement is sought at a variety of levels, not just to gain sponsorship but as active Corporate Social Partnership.
Enthusiasm for BEEP is strong but as Mark Shepherd, Chair of Exeter and Heart of Devon Employment and Skills Board, said “Employers need to be behind BEEP and to remember that ‘every individual matters’”. If you would like to find out more visit BEEP website or please contact Sandra Sampson of Motiv-8SW on 01392 873939.
*REEP = Rugby Empowering Employment Programme
Greater Exeter Skills Partnership is an independent body and voice for employers, aiming to improve employment across Devon and beyond.
Greater Exeter Skills Partnership 