Marlborough Town Council is promoting a programme to introduce young people to the world or work, and introduce employers to the potential that young people can deliver to them. But in a way that the risks are kept to a minimum and the opportunities for both the business / organisation and the young person entering the world of work can be positive and of real benefit to both. To connect those looking for work with those employers who need younger people.
‘NEET’ – (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) – is only too common nowadays. Workplace experience for any young person in that transition phase between full-time education and getting a job that will lead somewhere is vital, as that can counter ‘NEET’.
Will a prospective employer commit to a young person with no experience? It’s a risk, unlikely. Even embarking on an apprenticeship programme can be difficult for both the prospective apprentice, and the prospective employer.
Marlborough Town Council is launching a programme – ‘Elevate’ – which looks to connect these young people who are still in education and approaching this vital transition phase or those who are already there, with those in business who want and need young people for their business or organisation.
‘Elevate’ is being created and driven by someone in this area – Matt Powell who himself is an apprentice with Marlborough’s Town Council and his key role being that of Youth Worker. Matt’s aim is – in this own words – ‘to help the young people of Marlborough to develop into future adults who are positive and productive members of our community.’
Matt explains that ‘Elevate’ is to “overcome one of the biggest challenges young people face after leaving education and attaining employment. A major barrier to this is experience – something employers understandably value, but which young people often lack simply because experience takes time and opportunities. This creates a frustrating cycle for young people trying to take their first step into the world of work.”
In summary ‘Elevate’ is a work experience award, coordinated by the Council and connecting young people who are eager to learn with local organisations willing to offer work experience opportunities. To smooth and help with this potentially fraught transition period for the young and deliver benefit to the employer.
Matt list a series of points that will make ‘Elevate’ succeed, for both young who want experience and the who want those looking for that experience:
- Young people gain valuable workplace experience, confidence, and transferable skills that improve their employability.
- Organisations will directly contribute to the development of Marlborough’s future workforce.
- Feed local businesses with potential future employees leading to a sustainable vibrant workforce in Marlborough
- Placements are unpaid, meaning businesses and organisations receive additional support at no cost.
- Organisations taking part will benefit from increase positive publicity in the local community and recognition, for their involvement from the town council.
- Marlborough Town Council supports organisations throughout the process by carefully matching suitable young people to placements, reducing the pressure on organisations to recruit candidates themselves
To find out more and see how Elevate can help – click here to access his recent summary of what ‘Elevate’ can bring, which he presented to the recent Marlborough Business Networking group at the Parade Cinema, or contact Matt directly at mpowell@marlborough-tc.gov.uk
Potholes in Marlborough – open letter to Wiltshire Council and Councillors from Alec Thomas
