This time of year can be tough for 6th Form and college leavers having to make big career decisions if they either have not been successful in securing a university place, or don’t know where to start to enter the job market. Swindon’s Plan 500 scheme, designed to help young people into the workplace, is promoting its mentoring service as a solution.
Lisa Smart, Forward Swindon’s Plan 500 Project Manager says:
“We have local businessmen and women who are fully trained mentors ready to offer support and advice to young people, and we are looking forward to hearing from them.” Lisa continues, “Plan 500 mentors give highly focused, bespoke support to individuals, which is provided completely free.” She can be contacted at Forward Swindon on 01793 612276
Candidates for the mentoring scheme have to be 18 - 24 years of age, and looking for work. They usually have between 1 and 5 sessions with their mentor, who they meet at least once a month. The kind of support a mentor will offer depends on the specific needs of the individual, but for example, activity might include:
- Developing different CVs aimed at specific sectors, e.g. retail and administration; writing cover letters, coaching prior to interviews, and de-briefing afterwards.
- Work experience within a particular sector, with support from the mentor to see if it matches the expectations of the young person.
- Meeting with a Skills Adviser at Next Step to help identify a role on which to focus
The business mentoring scheme includes a raft of activities which can lead young people into a career path they can develop and enjoy. It helps them make informed choices about the sectors they wish to approach for work, building confidence and professionalism with the support of a local business expert.
ENDS:
Editors notes:
Please contact Lisa Smart at Forward Swindon on 01793 612276, or visit the Plan 500 page at www.forwardswindon.co.uk/plan500.
Plan 500 is well on its way to securing the target for the year, 500 places in work provided to young people in Swindon, in the form of work experience, apprenticeships, training and qualifications.
26/08/2011