in Partnership 17 in Partnership The Feeling is Mutual Eco Heroes Playing to Win The Prospects Group Magazine Jobs Match

Prospects helps deliver record visitor numbers to WorldSkills 2011 Contents Comment

Prospects for excellence A Work Programme For and value A Work Programme for 16–18 year olds 3 Ray Auvray explores solutions for youth unemployment Prospects is a leading education, employment and training company, working 16–18 year olds both nationally and internationally. We The feeling’s ‘mutual’ 4 – 5 estimate we help more than one million Prospects has over a thousand new employee owners people each year, through an extensive range of high quality services.

Wish you were here? 6 We are one of the first and largest new Work Programme is helping long-term unemployed customers public sector mutuals, with shares allocated back to work in the South West to managers and staff, as an employee- owned company.

Ascent in focus 7 Our services include: Some of the ways we help people back to work • Careers services for both adults and young people • Advice and guidance for Eco Heroes 8 – 9 offenders Community work experience • The Work Programme, the Government’s major new initiative Prospects Careers Advice Plus 9 to help long term unemployed Careers guidance for schools and colleges people back to work, in the South West and • The largest Ofsted Early Years WorldSkills 2011 10 – 11 Inspection Services contract in The greatest skills show on earth the country Ray Auvray • An extensive range of education consultancy and school Executive Chairman Milestones for Academy 12 improvement services Prospects Progress at Prospects’ sponsored Academy We are also widely recognised for expertise in event management, recruitment, Parent power in Worcestershire 13 community regeneration and educational ast month the numbers of young people into work and 4. A new graduate traineeship Parents and carers get involved in their childrens’ education resources. Gabbitas, one of the most NEET young people (not training. Otherwise we shall have similar to the National trusted names in independent education is in education, employment a lost generation outside the labour Apprenticeship Scheme part of the Prospects Group. or training),L reached 1.02 million. market, not contributing to their I can do that! 14 Such a programme would reverse For more information please visit. communities, nor to the country’s New opportunities for Work Programme customers the upward trend in NEET numbers www.prospects.co.uk This is an appalling statistic, but economy. the reality behind this is worse. and enable a whole generation to Health and safety is the key 15 Prospects welcomes any comments or It represents a real tragedy for I would like to see a four point make a satisfactory start to their Gaining entry into jobs in construction suggestions on any stories covered or on the million jobless young people action plan to reduce the jobless working lives. future content, please contact; mary.palmer@prospects .co.uk and their families, who face the total: Playing to Win 16 depressing prospect of months of Doing nothing is not an option. The Prospects in Partnership is available free of charge fruitless job-seeking and frustration. 1. A new face-to-face guidance coalition government has shown Interactive work and skills events to partners of Prospects Services Ltd. Annual subscription to non-partners is £10 (single issue £3.50). Prospects service for all 16-18 year great initiative in reforming ‘Welfare in Partnership is an independent publication, bringing It also represents a real cost to the olds, focusing on work to Work’ and introducing the ‘Jobs Match’ 17 together news, opinion and information from the fields in which we deliver and manage. The views expressed nation’s economy. A 2010 Audit and training Work Programme. Young people meet employers and training organisations in in articles are those of the authors or organisations and copyright in articles remains solely with them. Commission report attempted Milton Keynes and Leeds 2. Opening up the Work We now need a Work Programme to cost the impact of youth Programme to 16 year olds Printed on: Chromomat which contains recycled unemployment. Their figures make for young people! content. Inks used are all vegetable oil based. as soon as they register News in brief 18 – 19 the cost of high quality guidance and support for these 3. A youth employment subsidy National Career Guidance Shows 20 job-seekers pale into insignificance. to encourage small and News on shows in London, and Leeds, for careers medium sized employers to Prospects in Partnership is printed by SPM Print, take on additional young professionals a clean, green printing company that is ISO 14001 The government must take accredited. Every aspect of its printing and finishing immediate action to get these people process has been examined, from the way files are Ray Auvray received and the plates are produced to the substrates involved. All paper is sourced from EMAS registered mills that hold FSC chain of custody and SPM Print has also achieved FSC accreditation for chain of custody.

2 | Issue 17 Issue 17 | 3 Future Prospects Future Prospects The feeling’s ‘mutual’ How things can be Prospects has over a thousand new owners done better! Ray Auvray Opening up public services Executive Chairman White Paper launched recently sets out new Prospects ways of working in the Apublic sector. The Cabinet Office document commits the government ollowing a board decision in H e continued, “We have taken the company should be allocated to to opening up public services to September, it was confirmed view that the enterprise has been managers and staff, creating an a wider range of providers and that over a thousand created by the staff of the company, employee-owned mutual.” decentralising responsibility to ProspectsF staff were shareholders so it is logical that all the shares in communities. David Cameron said in the company. the newly created “Prospects is a good example of the White Paper “marked an end to how a business can be successfully top-down government”. Prospects, which in 2010/11 had created, spun off from local a turnover of nearly £80 million authorities, bringing together the We are delighted Mutual or employee-owned and employs some 1,400 staff, is best aspects of private and public companies are also cited as a way now a wholly employee-owned that the employees sector cultures.” to deliver public services, with company – a public service ‘mutual’, of Prospects will now employees given new rights to form which can act as a model for other It’s not only Prospects that will mutuals to take over the running of This could mean that future local in the company and take personal spin-offs from the public sector. be its owners and benefit from these changes. the services they provide. services will operate like social responsibility for success, which in The company is offering help to enterprises, co-operatives, or turn will benefit all our customers. Chairman, Ray Auvray, commented, we look forward to local authorities and government Francis Maude, Minister for the employee-owned companies “When Prospects was set up 16 departments who want to spin further innovation and Cabinet Office, explained why the (e.g John Lewis Partnership) Research has shown that years ago, we established it as off as mutuals from their existing Government is supporting staff where employees have a real employee-owned companies often a company limited by guarantee achievement by the services in line with Minister Francis mutuals, “This is part of the Big stake in their success. have higher productivity and better – without any shareholders. As Maude’s ambition of a million Prospects team. Society approach to public sector overall performance, are more the company has grown this public sector workers in mutuals. reform, devolving power to people Prospects’ move to an able to retain staff and are highly structure has become increasingly Prospects is gearing up to provide Ray Auvray, on the front line who know how employee-owned company will be attractive to potential recruits. inappropriate”. a range of support services to Executive Chairman things can be done better” he said. an opportunity for staff to share emerging mutuals.

4 | Issue 17 Issue 17 | 5 Work Programme — South West Work Programme — South West

Ascent in focus

Here are just some of the ways we help people back to work

Aspiration and Motivation — Increasing motivation to return to the labour market and developing customers’ confidence/self-esteem. Interventions promote the benefits of a healthy and balanced A lifestyle. We identify the personal and social benefits of working, like meeting new people and gaining a sense of achievement, while exploring the financial benefits.

Skills for the Future — Focusing on developing customers’ functional skills and managing their personal circumstances effectively. Workshops cover better understanding of people, sustaining a job, budgeting and debt management, dealing with changes in life and in the workplace, social networking, S good communication and knowing the local employment market.

Challenges — Help to overcome personal challenges which are preventing a customer from finding and evon, Cornwall, B renda Cabras, Director of workshops and training as maintaining employment, including caring commitments, dealing with health problems and disabilities, or and Dorset are areas of Employment and Training said, Nicola Squibb, Work Programme C other issues including debt, homelessness, criminal behaviour, addiction and discrimination. outstanding natural beauty “Ascent concentrates on Operations Director for the South Employer Desirability — Helping customers prepare for the competitive labour market. Overcoming Dand high quality environment but, challenging and changing ingrained West explains. “All customers issues around long-term unemployment, help with personal presentation, exploring appropriate body as elsewhere, people seeking jobs behaviours in a systematic way, can access our Ascent Customer language, managing conflicts, developing a positive work ethic. Seeking feedback and testimonials from are finding this very difficult. through a combination of Support Line, which operates over E employers, training for a long term career and selling themselves positively. appropriate interventions, on-going 15 hours each day, and recieve Behind the idyllic appearance, assessment, support and specialist individual support from their own communities and individuals face assistance”. Ascent Adviser.” Notable Influences — Tackling and challenging generational unemployment, environmental and social problems with travel and access to influences. Help with raising aspirations, challenging stereotypes and perceptions, developing role models and inspirations and challenging media perceptions. jobs and training. Real deprivation We help steer This is linked with targeted, N is often masked by the relative individual help for customers such affluence of residents who have individuals into as long term, poorly qualified and Transferable and Specialist Skills — Giving customers up-to-date transferable skills which match labour market requirements. Using life skills, encouraging customers while being realistic about job relocated to enjoy the unspoilt employment and then older job-seekers. Customers countryside and wonderful undertake community and social T goals, building a career by using specialist skills. Our E-learning platform offers over 200 courses, for all beaches. provide continuous enterprise projects to develop levels and abilities, so customers can learn at home, in the community, local libraries and our centres. skills, gain experience and Unemployment has grown recently, support once in obtain references to help with job and with the seasonal pattern work through a applications. Participants also of summer jobs in tourism and take part in local sports teams and Workshops farming, this is a very challenging series of individual achievement projects, to help build job market for local job-seekers. their CVs. customer journeys. Heroes to Inspire Come Dine with Me Prospects is working with Customers are taking four week This is where Prospects steps in, Brenda Cabras, “We offer work trials in the Director of Employment and Training healthy eating courses which as a Prime Contractor for the Work community and with employers, the Royal Marines, who act demonstrate how to shop and Programme in the four counties. An linked to appropriate job as mentors and role models cook for a healthy diet on a innovative new model, aptly named “No two journeys are the same opportunities. By working closely for customers, in a series of limited budget, using locally ‘Ascent’ has been developed to help but are based on individual needs with local employers we find workshops, helping them to sourced ingredients. customers overcome these issues and challenges.” ‘hidden vacancies’ and support our increase motivation and change and their individual problems. customers’ applications for these negative, limiting mind sets. The Ascent Programme is an jobs,” adds Nicola. innovative mixture of support, For more information visit: www.prospectsascent.co.uk

6 | Issue 17 Issue 17 | 7 Adult Skills Schools and Colleges

Careers AdvicePlus For Schools and Colleges Eco Heroes gain new jobs Careers AdvicePlus For Schools and Colleges and qualifications

An exciting initiative offer customers practical skills, Trainees have earned high praise handling, tree planting, visitor and in picturesque North develop their confidence and self for projects such as land clearance, habitat management, understanding esteem, and ensure they had really putting up fences, erecting sheds woodland flora and fauna, green Somerset aims to worthwhile work placements.” and refurbishment of tired land at wood working, dry stone walling help everyone realise the Huntshill Community Project. and charcoal burning. their potential through Customers gain a broad range Matthew Mutter, Deputy Manager experience in the natural of skills and employment related at Huntshill, said, “Our service is Customers obtain a range of environment. It is having qualifications and the experience truly grateful for the dedication, qualifications designed to support has made a significant impact on perseverance and professionalism their entry into land-based a real impact on the lives of them, improving their chances of the team gave to all the projects. occupations, which are also 70+ long term unemployed future employment. The results have not only enhanced applicable to many other jobs. customers. the ambience of the site but also These can include outdoor safety areers AdvicePlus is support, curriculum development Already many have found jobs and the opportunities for our users.” and first aid, manual handling, designed in consultation with and data measurements to schools rospects enlisted the help of have valuable experience, training health and safety, basic food and for schools and colleges and colleges in the UK. Schools Goblin Combe, a land-based and qualifications to impress new Trainees have also transformed part hygiene and fire safety awareness. Clooking to meet their statutory and colleges choose us because charity to develop a scheme employers. of the local environment for Wells They gain skills such as customer requirements and to support we are synonymous with quality, Pto help customers aquire skills and Central Junior School, worked care, conflict resolution and their learners to make successful responsiveness, innovation, qualifications transferable to the Local communities also benefit with a group of geologists from the personal effectiveness. Trainees transitions and achieve success. professionalism and value wider job market. through the wide range of projects Somerset Earth Science Centre can also achieve the Practical for money. undertaken by the trainee Eco and gave a new lick of paint to Conservation Award and in addition Our unique package of careers Graham Faint, Prospects Service Heroes, who work with charities, buildings in Frome for the local there are residential programmes, services is tailored to meet your Careers AdvicePlus is a menu of and Introduction Manager for the town councils and environmental town council. peer support, apprenticeships and priorities, budgets and students’ activities broken down into five scheme, explains, “As part of our centres. social enterprise opportunities. learning styles. broad categories: planning for the introduction of the • Careers Guidance Work Programme, we wanted to ...we wanted to offer The programme is open to all From September 2012, head customers, but the charity is teachers and governing bodies • Employability customers practical committed to work with the most will have a statutory duty to secure • Targeted Support skills, develop their disadvantaged in society and access to impartial and independent specialises in customers with careers guidance for every student • Curriculum Development confidence and mental illness, alcohol and drug from a specialist guidance supplier. • Data Measurements rehabilitation service users, Schools and colleges will have the self esteem, and offenders and those worst affected power to set their own budget and It enables schools and colleges ensure they had by their economic situation. contract with a supplier of their to mix and match activities across choice. Arrangements schools the five categories and to design a really worthwhile Developing confidence and self- and colleges make will be tested package of services to meet their esteem and raising aspirations through Department for requirements students’ needs. work placements. through accomplishing tasks are Education destination measures just some of the benefits. The and inspection. Careers AdvicePlus is applicable Graham Faint, Prospects Manager variety of experience encourages to individual schools and colleges, positive interactions, develops Prospects is one of the largest a cluster of schools or an area wide trust and a sense of responsibility suppliers of careers guidance, consortium. Our prices are Practical training includes woodland towards themselves, others and employability activities, targeted highly competitive. and conservation management, the environment. coppicing, tools and equipment 8 | Issue 17 Issue 17 | 9 Events Events ‘The biggest WorldSkills in its sixty year history’ David Cameron, Prime Minister

orldSkills London Help in making the right job and gardening, plumbing, manufacturing 2011, the largest ever training choices was available in and engineering technology, CAD international skills six yellow zones spread across design, robotics, ICT, fashion, Wcompetition and careers event, took the vast space, from a dedicated floristry, jewellery, beauty therapy place in October. Young people team of Prospects Next Step and hairdressing. from 51 countries/regions competed advisers. Next Step Adviser Laurie to be the best of the best. We McLoughlin was pleased with the Prime Minister David Cameron congratulate the United Kingdom success of the event. toured the event, ‘having a go’ at team on coming fifth, with 47 points mobile robotics, speaking to school and four Gold medals. Korea came and college students and meeting top, followed by Japan, Switzerland The careers advice members of the largest ever Team and Brazil. proved to be a UK, taking part in the international competition. More than 200,000 people visited valuable asset to the truly amazing show to try Mr. Cameron said, “I’m absolutely hundreds of new skills, meet top WorldSkills, so visitors delighted that London is hosting the employers and receive specialist could leave with biggest WorldSkills competition in careers advice. its sixty year history. Standing here sufficient information is so inspiring, seeing almost 1,000 Prospects Events organised the and motivation to young people from more than 50 visitor recruitment, attracting countries competing to be the best schools, colleges, parents and investigate training of the best, not just in one skill, but young people from across the UK and careers further. in more than 40 skills from robotics and beating the original attendance to web design, from cookery to target of 150,000 people, making Next Step Adviser, landscape gardening. this the biggest skills show in Laurie McLoughlin London this year. Prospects also “It’s great that the UK is able to organised the huge exhibition of Visitors were able to have a go at show off the skills and diversity of employers, colleges, and skills and hundreds of new skills, including our young people. What they have learning organisations. bricklaying, joinery, catering, all achieved here sets a fantastic automobile technology, landscape example for others.”

10 | Issue 17 Issue 17 | 11 Academies Schools Milestones For Worcestershire parent Gloucester Academy friendly schools

Worcestershire schools and carers’ views on ways to have been recognised for improve the school, and find excellent work developing innovative ways to communicate. ways to connect with parents through the Leading Parent Good examples from these Partnership Award (LPPA). schools include:

orcestershire County • Parents coming into school Council has been working to brush up on new methods in partnership with of learning maths WProspects to develop a framework • Parents joining their children for schools to self-evaluate and to participate in role play for develop parental engagement in the launch of new learning their schools. Our Lady of Mount themes, such as transport Carmel First School, Grimley & • Parents invited to an Holt Primary School, St. Mary’s evening ‘café’ to try new and Primary and St Bartholomew’s improved school dinners to Primary School were the first four encourage healthy eating, schools to achieve the LPPA. and increase take up • Setting up ‘parent forums’ to Three other schools also achieved create a more parent-friendly it recently: St Luke’s First School, environment in school Managing Director, Vincent programme, for the new building Bishop Perowne College and McDonnell, made a presentation on to open in September 2013. Franche Community Primary Feedback from parents has the history of the two predecessor John Reilly, the new Academy School. improved the way school reports To find out more about the LPPA: schools, academic progress, and Principal, said, “These are hugely are written, making them www.lppa.co.uk aspirations for the new capital exciting times for Gloucester The LPPA recognises and builds more meaningful, so parents programme. This was followed by Academy. I am delighted to be part on good practice in working with become more engaged with [email protected] a lively presentation and questions of the future of the Academy and parents and carers to support their their children’s education. 020 8315 1246 to the Minister by representatives look forward to working with all our childrens’ learning. Schools are of the Student Council. students, and their families, as we encouraged to listen to parents’ loucester Academy has come together on one site and plan reached two important In August contractors were for our fantastic new building.” milestones. The first was on site to lift new temporary Spotlight on St Bartholomew’s Ga visit by the Minister of State for classrooms into place, to allow The specialism for the Academy Schools — Nick Gibb, and the the Academy to operate from a is digital and media technology. St Bartholomew’s Primary School in Strong communication channels can contribute positively to building second the start of development of single site, paving the way for the Students can access their own a new school building. new state-of-the-art building. learning online, and each has Stourport-on-Severn was proud to were also created. This included text a partnership with the school to a personal learning plan. be presented with its Award recently. messages and a weekly newsletter, help their children progress. Mr. Gibb was welcomed by the The move to one site is happening Initiatives included a crèche, earlier supported by meetings, which kept Chair of the Gloucester Academy two years ahead of schedule. It All students are supported by notification of parents’ evenings and a parents informed about events, The Headteacher, Susan Helps, Trust, Paul McGee, who is also will accelerate students’ progress, a personal mentor who works variety of activities which encouraged activities and pupils achievements. was delighted with progress and Vice-Chair of Prospects Board and build on the significant work with them to develop a clear fathers to attend events at the school. said, “By building trust with parents, and Senior Independent Director. already undertaken with students understanding of individual targets, What has been the result of this through mutual respect we are at the and staff to raise standards and both personal and academic, The momentum was infectious. Both far-reaching campaign? The school heart of our community, developing Prospects, with Gloucester College, levels of achievement, since the giving dedicated support to parents and teachers became keen achieved nearly 100% attendance partnerships from the very best is the lead sponsor of the Academy, Academy opened last year. help all pupils succeed. to participate, with some teachers at parents’ consultations, with home starting point, the children.” which was formed from a merger of even carrying out home visits visits for those who could not attend. Bishops’ College and Central The Government has allocated and Saturday school activities. This demonstrated how parents Technology College. £15.1 million in the schools capital

12 | Issue 17 Issue 17 | 13 Work Programme Young People I Can Do That!

Unemployed given a confidence boost into securing work

ong term unemployed The manager from the hotel asked successful formats already used customers gained first hand if she did any voluntary work. It with young people. She said, experience with employers turned out Emma had been helping “Feedback from the employers was throughL a new scheme launched in a local older people’s lunch club. very positive. Customers found out this month. This experience would be ideal for about current job opportunities, catering or hospitality jobs, she was while the experience of meeting The first “I Can Do That!” event, run told. The fact Emma heard this from employers built their self-esteem Pictured in photo: Jerome Dottin, 18; Andrew Fadian, Connexions Apprentice Administrator; Jerrodd Hoquee, 19; Rob Smith, Connexions Personal Adviser and Lutfullah Ziartgul, 18. by Prospects in the City, the career a leading employer really counted and confidence.” experience specialists, took and gave her a boost in searching Helping young people into construction jobs jobseekers from Hackney to visit for a job. More events are planned in Central PricewaterhouseCoopers and the London, the City, Lambeth, oung people have been given Brent Connexions contacted young The CSCS card is an essential Thistle Hotel group, to find out more Many of the participants organised Southwark, Hackney, Greenwich, help to gain entry to their people without places in education, requirement for getting site work about jobs in maintenance and themselves as if this was a formal Merton and Sutton over the next dream jobs in construction, employment or training. They were with a reputable construction Yincluding work at the Olympic Park given the chance to try mock tests, company, we decided on this pilot customer services. All had been out interview by being smartly dressed, few months. of work for over a year and are with CVs to hand and prepared with in Stratford, thanks to support before sitting the real thing, and scheme so young people could get customers on the Work background research. This proved from Prospects. guidance about their career options their card for free”, he added. Programme, delivered by crucial to success, as over half of and future plans. Prospects in six London boroughs. the group was asked to a further Brent Connexions, run by Prospects With youth unemployment much in interview for vacancies in both for teenagers aged 13 to 19, As a result of this support, eight the news at the moment, Brent Prospects Employment Consultant, companies. assisted the youngsters to gain their young people were awarded their Connexions has worked hard to Delroy Anglin said, “The CSCS card, for the Construction CSCS cards. Of the eight, four have keep down the numbers of young employers emphasised how many Katie Mawhinney designed the Skills Certification Scheme, started work and two more are people not in education, jobs are available in service scheme, based on the highly essential to getting a job on going on to further education. The employment or training. The industries, even in the current a building site. other two are still being supported number of NEET young people economic climate. More importantly and have attended interviews with is down to 3.8% (16 to 18 year * Name has been changed for confidentiality Attendees of the first “I Can Do That!” they gave advice on the best way Programme. As Andrew Wilkinson, Operations building companies. olds, July 2011). National figures to apply for these vacancies and Manager, explains, “Getting a job in for the 16 to 24 age group put the helped participants believe ‘they construction is not just a question of “None of these young workers percentage of NEET young people could really do that.’ The other key Work Programme in London being fit, having building knowledge would have their jobs if not for the across the UK at 18.4%. and a willingness to work hard. CSCS cards they achieved with message from the employers was Prospects has operated the Work training, workshops, individual and The industry takes health and our support ”, said Dean Hatfield, a Lutfullah Ziartgul, 18, said he found that jobseekers existing skills can Programme in London since group activities. safety at work very seriously and Personal Adviser promoting the support excellent and hopes be used in the workplace.” June. The five year subcontract construction employers are the scheme. that many more young people can for Seetec, on behalf of the Prospects makes sure delivery increasingly asking for proof of benefit from the free CSCS card. One customer, Emma* had been Department for Work and Pensions, is not “one size fits all” and each competence in the form of the “After careful analysis of the needs at home for seven years looking operates in six boroughs; Hackney, customer is given personalised CSCS card. The scheme provides of local young people, we after her family; now she wanted to Greenwich, Southwark, Lambeth, support, based on their individual workers with the knowledge to recognised they had to offer return to work, but feared her lack Sutton and Merton. Customers circumstances, to help them find improve their working practices and something extra to make them of recent experience would hold are helped with employment skills, work. her back. reduce accidents.” more employable.

14 | Issue 17 Issue 17 | 15 Young People Young People Playing to Win Jobs Match

oung people have been short-listing their candidates and young people to other job-seekers, inspired to ‘play to win’ by choosing their winning employee. the same age. The YouTube clip a series of ground-breaking generated a lot of interest, and had Giving young people the edge in finding a job or training Yworkshops to help them into work The speaker, David McQueen, from over 70 viewings. and training. the organisation Magnificent Minds, n Milton Keynes, Connexions are currently unemployed or out of is well known after appearing on TV The project was extremely positive; MK, the service for young people education or training, with At a time when youth in Vocation, Vocation, Vocation. all the young people who attended run by Prospects on behalf of the ....Connnexions MK employers and training suppliers unemployment was rising sharply, took something away from their Iborough council, is providing the is helping to improve wanting to fill their vacancies. West London Working, part of the “He was a real draw, but at the sessions. Since the final event chance to meet prospective Young people chat to an employer London Development Agency, same time we wanted an event we have been told that some employers, and to find out about young people’s and then move on, repeating the contracted Prospects to design, which was really interactive, brought participants have moved into training and skills for future chances of finding process until they have spoken to plan, and evaluate a series of work home strong messages and gave positive outcomes” Mel added. employment. every organisation. and skills events for young people. practical help to the participants employment in today’s to succeed in their future career Organisations taking part included Speed Matching, where young Jackie Danby, Lead Personal Mel Clarke, who led the project paths,” said Mel. Transport for London, Virgin Media people take part in a series of three tough climate. The Adviser, who organised the event, explained, “We wanted to come and all the local colleges. Boroughs minute interviews with local training activities provide an said, “It’s a great way for both up with something which would involved were Hillingdon, Brent, providers and employers, was just parties to make a snap decision really capture the imagination of .... I had an amazing Harrow, Ealing, Hammersmith & one of the specially targeted ideal opportunity for on whether they want to find out this group of NEET young people, Fulham, and Hounslow. day. I really enjoyed activities offered through the young people to find more about each other. This is rather than a conventional Connexions MK Training Fair, the best event to date and we are careers fair.” the interviews, as A market place of providers and held recently. out what’s available. considering running them colleges was held, so young people they made me think more frequently.” The workshops involved a could browse and explore the The fair was a chance for young Will Spurgeon, motivational speaker, and opportunities on offer. A number of Assistant Director for integrated youth One employer told Jackie that he on my feet. jobseekers to explore career ideas support and social care interactive sessions where young work experience placements were had found twenty-two people he Event Attendee and to talk to experts about the best job-seekers turned the tables and available to ‘win’ at each workshop. training options for them. would be happy to sign up. A young played the role of the employer, Participants who had performed person was seen jumping for joy Meanwhile Connexions Leeds, interviewing facilitators from local “Many participants had been particularly well were nominated A seven week programme has also when she found something that was also run by Prospects, has held its colleges and companies. The difficult to contact in the past, so for them. just been launched for 16 – 18 year just right for her. third annual speed matching event. teenagers gained real insight we used Facebook and Twitter to olds not in education, employment Again, the event was designed to into producing a winning CV promote the events. We even used or training to help them develop bring together young people who by reviewing the applications, YouTube to put messages from new skills. 16 | Issue 17 Issue 17 | 17 News in Brief News in Brief

Next Step boost careers advice in Job Centres Heroes inspire success Prospects overnment ministers John Both clients and Job Centre staff retail and office administration. Hayes and Chris have recognised the value of the Hundreds have gained Securing Success Grayling visited service. It is fantastic to see clients qualifications through the PeckhamG Job Centre and Lambeth progress into employment, partnership with Lambeth College. Following an external assessment, College recently to discuss the education or training, and just as The ministers talked to a group of Prospects has been judged to have impact of the government’s importantly gain confidence to face students who gave feedback on reached the ISO 27001 standard initiative to expand the range and the future with optimism.” their successes and experiences. for information security. depth of employment and skills advice in Job Centres throughout Candidates have been placed in Head of Performance Management, London. jobs ranging from social care to Antony Pearce said, “this is a massive achievement for the The objective is to increase access company and particulary important, for customers to help them find Following the civil unrest in customers aged 18 to 24 are as information security is critical in sustainable employment. Careers Hackney, BBC News visited helped with building confidence contract decisions for government Advisers, colleges and employers Prospects’ Work Programme centre and motivation for work. Customers departments. ISO 27001 is the best are working together to address in Dalston to report on success in were encouraged to talk about practice specification that helps individual training and support helping workless people into work role models who inspired them, businesses and organisations needs, aligned to the local and training. BBC Chief Economics particularly those from Hackney, throughout the world develop a labour market. Correspondent, Hugh Pym, such as Leona Lewis. Participants best-in-class Information Security described what he saw were asked about their heroes Management System. It is a Jennie James, a Next Step Adviser as “inspiring”. and why heroes were important systematic approach to managing in Job Centre, said, to them. The responses offered a confidential and sensitive corporate “Working in Peckham Job Centre The resulting film showed a very positive contrast to the way information so that it remains alongside all the staff, we share a Prospects ‘Heroes Workshop’ young people are often portrayed in secure, and encompasses people, real passion and dedication to get for young people. Viewers saw the media, in a borough which was processes and IT systems.” clients moving forward. for themselves how young badly affected by the disturbances.

Show time for careers One2One Careers — the NEW Prospects in the online resource for individuals City 2012!

rospects Educational the option to access telephone/ o mark the London Olympics Resources Unit has just online careers guidance from one of in 2012, Prospects in the launched this exciting online our experienced Careers Advisers. City is arranging a series Presource to enable individuals to Helpful links to a wide range of free ofT Olympic themed walks in the access professional resources at a websites are also included. Olympic boroughs of Greenwich, price they can afford. Parents and Hackney and Barking & Dagenham. young people, students and career From as little as £7.50 + VAT, changers, are able to find the help One2One Careers is outstanding Participants will be given an insight they need to make the right career, value. Find out more or make your into how this event has impacted learning and education choices. purchase at www.one2onecareers. on London in terms of construction, co.uk or call us on 01229 814840 jobs, and the environment. Whether looking for careers for further information. guidance or inspiration, help with The walks will provide a chance for rospects in Play is a new and performance. Branching out from the service for her students said, exploring opportunities, brushing up students to view the Olympic Park creative way of delivering interactive workshops, the duo has “The show is the perfect blend on interview techniques or making and hear about job and volunteering careers guidance. Founder written a new play about post-16 of drama and information. Our an application, One2One Careers opportunities, while finding out Pmembers Joshua Avory and James options, which is currently touring students leave feeling empowered has something for everyone, and is more about the Games. Barley devise ways to communicate schools in Greenwich, Bexley, and knowledgeable about their accessible from the comfort important messages to young and Barking & Dagenham. decisions.” of home. For more information people. They deliver interactive about Prospects in the workshops based on motivation ‘The Story of Billy Webster’ “As qualified careers advisers we Popular programmes such as City’s walks, contact us at and interview techniques. “It has addresses friendship, choices and make sure the information in the Prefinio, Careers4U.tv, Applications prospectsinthecity@prospects. been exciting and challenging for the importance of decision making. show is accurate for its audience” Online and Dream Job/Ace co.uk, or call 020 8315 1245. us setting up an educational theatre Kim Nicholas, from St Paul’s said James Barley. Interview feature on the site, with company”, said Joshua at a recent Academy, who recently purchased

18 | Issue 17 Issue 17 | 19 Events

The Royal Armouries, Leeds — 23

Wembley Stadium, London — 7

rd Edinburgh Corn Exchange — 28 February 2012 th & 8 th March 2012 th March 2012

he 2012 series of National held at Wembley Stadium The 2012 seminar programme Career Guidance Shows are on 7th & 8th March. will be available to pre-registered a chance to update you on visitors and will cover the important newT initiatives in the changing world The National Career Guidance and relevant issues facing of careers guidance. Designed for Show , takes place at careers guidance professionals careers guidance professionals the Edinburgh Corn Exchange on in 2012 and beyond. working with both young people Wednesday 28th March and the and adults, the events are an Northern show is at Saviles Hall, The National Career Guidance opportunity to network, learn and opposite the Royal Armouries Shows events are run in meet like-minded colleagues. Museum in Leeds on 23rd February. partnership by Prospects and the Institute of Career Guidance. Each show will feature a The seminars are led by keynote comprehensive seminar speakers from career guidance The National Career Guidance programme, with expert speakers and industry. In 2011 speakers Show in Scotland is sponsored offering industry insight and included Anne-Marie Martin, by The Scottish Government and free high quality Continuing President of Agcas; Dr Judith Skills Development Scotland. Professional Development (CPD) Done, FICG and Professor accreditation, certified by the Rachel Mulvey, FICG; Michael Hundreds of organisations are Institute of Career Guidance. Larbalestier, Prospects; Tristram already signed up to take part, Hooley, iCeGs; and Jamie Dunn, find out more and book your place The shows are also a unique US-UK Fulbright Commission. now by visiting our website. opportunity to update your knowledge with information from To book your place visit — www.nationalcareerguidanceshows.co.uk over one hundred exhibitors, including employers, government agencies, examination bodies, sector skills councils, charities, universities, colleges and training companies.

In 2012 there will be three National Career Guidance Shows and visitors can attend all three.

The National Career Guidance Show London is being