YOUNG and out of work? Change your career and your life with a fantastic FREE training scheme.
FastFutures has been set up by training provider Avado with dozens of top employers including BT, Barclays, AstraZeneca and NHS Health Education.
It offers 18 to 24-year-olds skills in data, marketing, finance, innovation and teamwork — over just 12 hours a week.
The scheme was launched last year and already 97 per cent of graduates believe it made them more employable — with almost half landing more interviews.
Open to all
Trainees also learn interview and CV-writing skills, as well as how to network. They are mentored, make virtual visits to workplaces and work both alone and in groups.
One success story is Pria Duncan-Benington, 23, who grew up on a council estate and missed out on university to care for a family member — but after FastFutures last year became a Sky TV researcher.
Londoner Pria says: “FastFutures is open to anyone regardless of background or education. You need to be curious, motivated and keen to learn.
“The more you challenge yourself, and the more involved you get with teamwork and live sessions, the more you get out of it. I loved being able to network with other ambitious young people and learn from experienced professionals and CEOs. It provides the business skills, confidence and network to transition from education into work.
“I now want to cross over into financial services and, thanks to FastFutures, I am getting interviews.”
Company boss Matthew Ansbro says: “It has been built to bridge the gap between education and work at a time when the employment landscape is extremely tough. We wanted to give people who might not have contacts, through parents or education, access to employers.”
After completing the course you get a certificate signed by the Confederation of British Industry and Avado highlighting your new skills.
The next course is in June and the closing date to apply is May 3.
See fastfutures.avadolearning.com.
Job spot
WEST MIDLANDS TRAINS is hiring engineering apprentices.
Apply by Monday at findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeship/-580953
M&S for success
IT’S not just any job, it’s an M&S job.
Marks & Spencer has launched a network for former employees to showcase how a job at M&S can set you up with the skills for success.
Former M&S workers include PM Boris Johnson, DJ Calvin Harris and Apprentice winner Carina Lepore.
Carina launched the alumni initiative at M&S in Colliers Wood, South London, where she first worked.
She said: “My ten years at M&S has given me all the tools, skills and confidence to succeed in life, which I draw upon every day in my business with Lord Sugar. Even though I’ve left, I still very much feel part of the M&S family.”
The new site provides live job opportunities plus invites to exclusive events.
M&S employees can sign up at alumni.marksandspencer.com.
Job spot
VIRGIN MEDIA has opened applications for 400 new apprenticeship, graduate and intern roles.
Positions are available throughout the business, including operations, finance, marketing, project management, sales, construction and network engineering.
Qualifications range from Level 2 – equivalent to five GCSEs – to degree and masters level. All apprentice roles are permanent contracts.
Chief Executive Officer Lutz Schüler said: “Through permanent contracts, on-the-job training and additional qualification opportunities, we are giving hundreds of people the opportunity to develop the skills they need to thrive throughout their career.”
Apply at careers.virginmedia.com.
Award gives an Ed start
THE charity that organises the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme is expecting a surge in applications.
Since Prince Philip’s death there has been a 50 per cent spike in online interest about the scheme.
Ruth Marvel, CEO of the DofE, said: “Young people have had their lives turned upside down by the pandemic.
“We need a two-pronged catch-up approach that combines academic and extracurricular learning to help young people progress at school and regain their sense of normality. ”
Taking the award is a great boost for your CV, so here are five key reasons to consider it.
- Employers want to see evidence of “soft skills” such as communication, commitment, leadership and teamwork, which a DofE Award can demonstrate.
- Getting an award will give you skills and an edge over others when you apply for college, university or a job.
- It allows you to do work experience, which helps build up your CV.
- Taking part in the scheme shows you are committed to your community and able to network well with others. You will also make a difference to other people’s lives.
- Participants say doing a DofE has given them valuable character traits like confidence and resilience.
Find out more at dofe.org.
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