Tag Archives: Careers

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Employability Networking

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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’:

YouRock

If you are interested in finding out more about You Rock take a look at the PowerPoint overview on You Rock Jobs Overview (which includes contact links over numerous media) or the You Rock Support Guide or the You Rock Jobs resources website.

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.

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Be involved with Big Bang!

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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
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.

Refreshments will be available.

For further information contact: bigbang@ebp-sw.org

Book now – http://bigbangsouthwest2016launch.eventbrite.co.uk

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A journey of discovery with the destination in sight

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Aaron and Dan prepare for RWC 2015 Tonga v Namibia match
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

*Rugby Empowering Employment Programme

˚Business Empowering Employment Programme

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Celebrating with HRH Prince Harry

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Celebrating with HRH Prince Harry Photo from Exeter Chiefs Official in “HRH Prince Harry Visits Sandy Park”
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.

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In the Spotlight!

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Rewarding hard work and celebrating success. Young People and Mentors RWC 2015 Tickets.
Rewarding hard work and celebrating success. Young People and Mentors RWC 2015 Tickets.

BBC Spotlight has been documenting the progress of some of the young people on our REEP work-readiness pilot. Film maker, Phil Tuckett and his colleagues have successfully squeezed ten intensive life-changing months into ten minutes! The film is due to be aired on BBC at 19:30 hours on 28 September, the day before the first RWC 2015 game at Sandy Park when Tonga meets Namibia.

To reward their fabulous efforts and celebrate their achievements, the young people and their trained volunteer mentors will attend the Tonga v Namibia match courtesy of the RWC 2015 Legacy Fund. But the celebrations start earlier in the day with a pre-match lunch and catch-up meeting kindly sponsored by Midas in the wonderful Estuary Room, at Darts Farm. Michael Dart was pleased to be able to support REEP and the positive difference it makes to the young people and the community.

As the RWC 2015 Legacy Funding ends and in order to continue this immensely successful initiative we are launching BEEP (Business Empowering Employment Programme) on 1 October. We hope that businesses will see BEEP as more than Corporate Social Partnership, acknowledge that it is the “right thing to do” and makes good business sense too. If you would like to find out more about “the Great BEEP Launch” contact Sandra Sampson of Motiv-8SW on 0844 848 9594.

Thank you to everyone who has been involved in REEP. REEP exemplifies our mantra “every individual matters” and was a remarkably successful partnership project.

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“Everyone was a winner today!”

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During the Big Bang South West event at Exeter University on the 25th June 2015 - Photo mandatory by-line: Gary Day/Pinnacle - Tel: +44(0)1363 881025 - VAT Reg: 183700120 - Mobile:0797 1270 681 - 25/06/15 - Exeter University, Exeter
Future Scientists at Big Bang SW 2015 (c) Pinnacle

Alex Ledbrooke from Education Business Partnership South West and member of the Exeter and Heart of Devon Employment and Skills Board writes –

This year’s Big Bang South West Fair at the University of Exeter celebrated the very best in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.

The event attracted nearly 2,000 eager students from across the region to participate in one of the largest events of its kind regionally.

The emphasis was on interaction and the chance to explore the wide range of careers and opportunities in the field of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

More than 50 industry experts volunteered to judge nearly 100 student projects with the very best projects being selected to represent the South West at the prestigious finals of the National Science and Engineering Competition to be held at the Big Bang UK in March 2016

A huge interactive exhibition hall with more than 80 local, national and international organisations, including Western Power Distribution, the Met Office, South West Water, TDK, and AnTech Ltd were on hand to share their expertise and inspire those attending.

In addition, nearly 1000 young people took part in a ‘Mega Class’. Led by the National Space Academy and sponsored by Western Power Distribution.

The Big Bang Fair South West highlights to us all that STEM offers an exciting wealth of opportunities, not just internationally but also here in the South West too.

Nationally and locally businesses are facing skills gaps. Today was about recognising and celebrating the talents that exist in the South West and helping students to recognise the opportunities available to them. I’d like to thank everyone who attended, the companies that played such a vital part in making in an important aspect of regions annual calendar, and to all the winners and the teams that competed – everyone was a winner today.

The 10 project winners from the region going through to the finals of the National Science and Engineering Competition in March 2016 can been seen here

See this years photographs and project video here

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REEP to BEEP

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Llewellyn Nicholls (right) celebrating with Matt (right) his mentee
Llewellyn Nicholls (right) celebrating with Matt (left) his mentee (c) Archant

The Rugby Empowering Employment Programme (REEP) is currently making a positive difference to the lives of young people between 16-24 years who were struggling to take their first steps on the career ladder. Following an intensive 10 day programme young people benefit from on-going mentoring from trained volunteers. REEP has undoubtedly changed the life chances of those involved for the better. We know that mentoring young people can be a challenge and requires constant commitment. Each volunteer is trained in mentoring in order to play their vital part. Our mentors come from different employment and skills backgrounds but they are unified in their desire to give something back, to learn and practise something new, and in their conviction that “every individual matters”. We also know that employers value these transferable mentoring skills too. We are therefore delighted to be working with our current mentors as they work on REEP and use their mentoring skills in a wider context.

James Bogue Active Devon
Llewellyn Nicholls Archant Publishers
Dan Pritchard Astley Media
Scott Walker Devon Community Foundation
Victoria Hatfield Exeter City Council
Mike Blakeley Exeter College
Sam Hyde Met Office
Tim Baker Midas
Sandra Sampson Motiv-8SW
Austin Woodin Former Royal Marine
Chris Shrimpton Retired teacher

REEP will soon become BEEP (Business Empowering Employment Programme). As the RWC 2015 Legacy funding comes to an end we will be launching BEEP. We would love to hear from businesses who like to become involved and to benefit from BEEP too. Contact Sandra Sampson of Motiv-8SW on 0844 848 9594 to find out more.

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REEP attracts attention

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Ed receives his REEP certificate from Dr Phil Norrey
Ed with Dr Phil Norrey (c) Archant

Every Individual Matters

On Friday 22 May, Dr Phil Norrey, Chief Executive of Devon County Council, presented REEP certificates to four young people, and Mark Shepherd, Chair of Exeter and Heart of Devon Employment and Skills Board (EHOD ESB), commended the individuals and the Motiv-8sw team.  They echoed the message “Every individual matters” which had been the theme of Karime Hassan, Chief Executive of Exeter City Council, at the REEP 1 celebration event held just three months earlier.

Teamwork and goals

Motiv-8sw’s team, Kieron Yeoman (Training Director) and Royden Scott, are “special” former Royal Marines who connect, care for and challenge young people, boosting their confidence and skills. This helps individuals to focus their ideas and to make positive steps towards employment. Together with trained volunteer mentors they build a strong, long-term support framework tailored to the individual’s needs. Mentor Tim Baker from Midas is partnered with Matt C, while Mike Blakeley from Exeter College mentors Ed. They were all there to celebrate at the event on Friday along with parents, project partners and employers. Over the coming months everyone, especially the young people themselves, will be digging deep and working towards their identified goals. Initial thoughts on possible destinations include:

Ed Ethical craft creative business, possibly Exeter Maritime
David The Royal Navy
Matt B Teacher or Teaching Assistant in a secondary school
Matt C Retail and in particular Tesco

REEP attracts attention

The REEP success story is attracting attention. ‘Inside Out’ BBC Spotlight’s current affairs programme has been following REEP 2 and REEP 1 participants on their journeys. They are hoping to broadcast their documentary in September. Journalists from Archant are currently researching a piece to a similar deadline and their photographer joined in the celebration on Friday too.

Win, Win, Win

Despite current high levels of employment, Young People on REEP 1 and 2 tell us that there are more individuals who can benefit from this programme. Reaching these young people is a challenge in itself. Regardless of a referring agency’s criteria, we have been able to offer free REEP places. However, #RWC2015 Legacy funds which have largely funded REEP 1 and 2 ends with these four young people; it has positively changed the lives of those it has touched through REEP. Sandra Sampson, Director of Motiv-8sw who has been leading the programme with the EHOD ESB said: “REEP is a Win, Win,Win”

WINNERS
Businesses and mentors Young People

Community
Mentor training and practice contributes to CPD and brings about better business performance. Mentees may become future employees and/or customers. Gain confidence, skills and a desire to make positive steps in their lives and gain employment. Caring and thriving communities value every individual. Young positive people who are working contribute to their communities and in time become role models for their own families.

Huge return on Investment

Oenone Thomas, Partnerships and Projects Manager Exeter and Heart of Devon Employment and Skills Board (EHOD ESB), said “Whatever your perspective the ‘Return on Investment’ is huge. We like to focus on the human cost and the Social Return on Investment but we are acutely aware that those contributing towards programmes like REEP need to justify their decisions in terms of financial returns on investment and value for money too. We value our employer partners who are motivated by more than their Corporate Social Responsibility policy, especially those who are embedded in their community and have a fundamental connection to the interests and motivation of their people, as well as their careers”.

REEP to BEEP

Soon REEP will become BEEP (Business Empowering Employment Programme). As well as a new logo, we are designing a new business model to continue the vital and extremely rewarding work which is centred on “Every Individual Matters”. The lives of thirteen young people and those working with them have been changed for the better. Please contact Sandra Sampson on 0844 848 9594 to find out more about BEEP if you want to make a positive difference to someone’s life.

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“Big smiles all round”

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REEP is for any young person between 16-24 years who is struggling to take first steps on their career ladder. With the benefit of an intensive 10 day programme and on-going mentoring from trained volunteers REEP is currently making a positive difference to the lives of two groups of young people

REEP 1

REEP 1 individuals celebrated a successful end to their 10 day programme on Friday 13th February and since then 8 of the 9 young people have continued to make real progress. Their volunteer mentors maintain their support which can bring many challenges but which has undeniably had a very positive impact. This is what Charlie who is working for an IT company reported to his mentor:

 “Anyway! Good to hear from you, everything is going pretty darn well with the job, still there and my probation period is up at the end of May so it’s all looking pretty good. They’ve already got me going up and around the country to do stuff at our other sites, including today where I’ve been up to Oxford to fix a bunch of stuff.

That REEP course though has really helped me out with my confidence and all as well, lost a bunch of weight already and buying a motorbike in the next couple weeks, so it’s all go!

 Thanks for the job advert, really, I don’t think I’ll be applying for anywhere at the moment though, one of the first times I’ve really enjoyed my job; great people, good work, never bored and waiting for anything and it’s right up my alley, big smiles all round!”

 An inspiring update on the young people on REEP 1:

Aaron Doing voluntary work for Hospice Care, has applied for the Army, looking to do CSCS card and possibly finding work in construction
Amy Working at Crealy Park
Charlie Working at Co-op, completed CSCS card
Charlie Working at an IT company and contributing to REEP 2
Hamish Applied for Bricklayers apprenticeship at Exeter College
Jacob (Jacob’s mentor is trying to make contact sadly without success at the moment.)
Jemima Working at Coaches Cafe
Mike Working at Devon Recycling
Ryan Re-taking CSCS card, improving CV and has a part-time job at Yodel
REEP 2

Meanwhile young people on REEP 2 are just coming to the end of their 10 day programme. REEP 2 is a smaller group of young men who have overcome significant multiple challenges to make huge amounts of progress on the programme. Some young people have not received help from any of the usual agencies. Confidence, self-esteem and aspiration building have been fundamental stepping stones to their progress. They have met their new mentors. For one young man who was extremely nervous and who literally froze prior to the first meeting with his mentor Motiv8-SW’s coaching and mentoring techniques successfully persuaded him to meet his mentor. His satisfaction at finally overcoming his severe lack of self-confidence was immense.

We are looking forward to the REEP 2 presentation day Friday 22 May at St Loye’s. We are really proud of the REEP programme and cannot thank everyone enough for their help, time and involvement. REEP 1 has an 89% success rate of young people starting the REEP programme to progressing into work. But we are we are fortunate to be able to and feel compelled to focus on every individual as an individual. Where other programmes targeting unemployed young people may have cancelled a programme with a small number of individuals we have remembered that “every individual matters”.

Once again thank you to everyone who has supported REEP. Between us all we are making a positive difference to young people’s lives!

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We need more Big Data Champions

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Big Data Human Resource Drill Down and Sample Comments
Graph showing the Human Resource Drill Down & Sample Comments

We tried something new at the Unlocking Big Data – Investing in Human Capital event. We dispensed with the flip charts and the break-out sessions and gathered, analysed, presented and interpreted the real-time contributions of delegates.

So how did we find out that we need more Big Data Champions?

In addition to the discussion happening in the room, attendees also shared their thoughts on Twitter, using the #UnlockingBigData hashtag and on a private comments submission system reserved exclusively for the event. Paul Howarth from PanSensic undertook the analysis of 174 free field comments from 5 stakeholder groups made through the submission system and then presented his initial analysis and interpretation to the delegates.

The headlines were:

Extracting value from Big Data
  • Resistance to change
  • Cost/benefits of working with Big Data
  • Understanding the value in Big Data & how to get at it
  • Challenges for SME’s
Human Resource
  • Concerned with what kind of people we want, how to identify them and attract them, how to train and keep them
  • The high cost of skills, team building and integration into the organisation
Education
  • How do we know what skills are required, will be required?
  • How do we teach them and how do we keep up?
  • How do we get young people into the field?
  • How do we tap into existing expertise?

Following the event, in-depth analysis drilled down into each of the themes and a series of PanSensic lenses was used to reveal even more. The PanSensic Mercury lens, a way of looking at “personality essence” revealed the lack of Big Data Champions and Route Finders. Big Data Champions and Route Finders help create a virtuous circle – open to change, embraces the cost benefit analysis and leads to a greater understanding of the value of Big Data, and so on.

Graph showing the findings revealed by the PanSensic Mercury Lens
Graph showing the findings revealed by the PanSensic Mercury Lens

The new Met Office super-computer, the opening of the first building on the Science Park, the growing concentration of STEM industries and organisations points to a vibrant digital future. A future which requires access to talent to take it forward.