Unique Be Yourself programme uses Sussex countryside as a neutral space in which to connect young job seekers and employers through a range of outdoor activities.
Albion in the Community is teaming up with outdoor activity company SO SUSSEX to augment the Want to Work initiative by including a unique job seeker and employer assessment programme called Be Yourself.
SO SUSSEX created Be Yourself to bringyoung people who want to find suitable work opportunities together with potential employers who want to provide opportunities to young people for a day in Stanmer Park, Brighton.
“The outdoor setting provides a neutral and non-threatening space in which jobseekers and employers can start to get to know each other,” says Nigel Greenwood, Founder of SO SUSSEX.
“The day’s activities are designed to bring out each person’s strengths and character. The personality a young person might display during an interview, when they are nervous and completely out of their comfort zone, often masks their true self and doesn’t necessarily show off their best traits,” continues Nigel. “Be Yourself allows young jobseekers to do exactly that: be themselves.”
Be Yourself combines the SO SUSSEX team’s expertise in using the Sussex countryside as a platform for learning and teambuilding with Nigel Greenwoods wealth of experience in running traditional assessment centres. It is appropriate for all types of work opportunity, whether that is a one day work starter, 3 week work experience, or 6 month apprenticeship.
“This is a unique and innovative programme which we believe will enhance Albion in the Community’s Want to Work initiative,” says AITC’s Carl Southwell. “We think it will attract more young jobseekers because a Be Yourself session is a far less daunting prospect than an interview process”.
The ground-breaking Want to Work scheme, which aims to bring together organisations from the public, private and voluntary sectors, is making a real difference to people’s lives across the county and is gathering more and more support from local businesses.
The aim is that the organisations work together to help unemployed people with training plus short and long-term work placements which are suited to their skills and aspirations.
“As any recruiter will tell you, it is a relatively simple task to find someone with the skills or experience you’re looking for,” says Want to Work’s Barry McLaughlin. “What proves more difficult is spending enough time with enough candidates to find the person who best fits within your organisation. This is where we think Be Yourself will be invaluable.”
The first Be Yourself session is taking place on Thursday 14th June, 9am – 1.30pm at Stanmer Park and is supported by Stanmer House. AITC is keen to hear from jobseekers and employers who’d like to take part. Please contact Robyn Steer on 01273 878288 or e-mail robyn.steer@albioninthecommunity.org.uk. For more information about SO SUSSEX visit www.sosussex.co.uk