You’re hired: Barclays helps to prepare students for career success

Friday 27 February 2015

Students in Jersey have been preparing for the world of work with the help of LifeSkills, created with Barclays.

Barclays employees visited Grainville School recently to share their first-hand experience of working in a business environment. The nine volunteers led a series of workshops designed to bring the workplace to the classroom - boosting students’ confidence and helping them sell themselves to future employers.

Around 100 students learned how to put their best foot forward when applying for jobs, with a session on interview techniques. They had the chance to practice their skills in a ten-minute mock interview and received constructive feedback on their performance.

LifeSkills, created with Barclays, is designed to help young people aged 11-19 make the transition from education to employment and develop the skills employers seek in new recruits. The programme gives young people access to the advice, support and opportunities they need and aims to build confidence and leadership in three key areas: work skills, people skills and money skills.

As well as the workshop sessions, the free programme includes lesson plans for teachers, interactive online content and access to work experience in local businesses.

The scheme has already helped 1.1 million young people across the UK develop employability skills and over 13,000 Barclays employees have signed up to volunteer.

“The professional guidance and support from several Barclays volunteers has helped each young person to reflect on how they present themselves and the challenges faced at interview. The clear, focused and timely support from Barclays will aid our students in their next steps,” said John McGuiness, headmaster of Grainville School.

Paul Savery, managing director at Barclays in Jersey, said, “At Barclays we want to help young people make the leap from education to working life. The LifeSkills programme offers young people the chance to talk to people who can give first-hand experience of working in a current business environment. Our volunteers bridge the gap between theory and practice and can answer general questions students might have about starting work.

“Students are able to share any concerns they have and take part in activities which build the skills and confidence needed to succeed in a working environment.

“It is fantastic that our employees can support the next generation to achieve their ambitions. This event demonstrates Barclays’ commitment to developing the skills young people need to fulfill their potential and helping the community here in Jersey.”