Impact is taking a proactive stance on helping young adults get into the workplace and have been working in partnership with Inspire, the education business partnership. Inspire collaborate with businesses, linking them to schools in the Hackney area, to create a powerful yet informal way to encourage students into the world of work.
Impact’s partnership with Inspire comes from our strong link to the Hackney area and commitment to improving the local community. All of our employees are involved and provide regular one to one and group mentorship to local school pupils, advising on career options within the media and creative industries, completing application forms, CV writing techniques and interview skills.
Today, I visited Cardinal Pole Catholic School on Morning Lane, Hackney, with fellow CSR-committee member Natalie Hallows. We advised 6th formers on the job application process and also gave advice and information on careers within the media and creative industries. It was encouraging to see pupils aged 17/18 with a good idea of what they’d like to accomplish and consider for their careers. A common theme seemed to be an appreciation of strong role models in their daily lives, whether that is the Inspire team and companies like Impact, teachers, parents or community leaders.
Speaking with each member of the group, we saw different perspectives – some want to go to university and believe it will really make a difference to their future, and others were focused on leaving school and getting an apprenticeship. In particular one student focused on a mechanical engineering apprenticeship and another solely focused on photography, understanding the difference between practical and theoretical experience.
Apprenticeships and internships are now fairly common and more accessible for all; however we hope from our input today that these young adults will take away valuable lessons on how to demonstrate key skills, develop strong communication skills and how to distinguish yourself from other applicants.
If more of us help at this stage, there will be so many more opportunities for young people. Strong role models will help enormously and Impact is hugely proud to be a part of this process!