How can I help young people who are/will be struggling to enter the workforce?

[normalpeeps]

Posting here for traffic.

I'm watching the news and the recession (or "looming" recession) and the impact on young people trying to enter the workforce is really depressing.

I know it will have a significant impact on other people too, but I remember trying to get my first job during the 2008 recession and how hard it was and the toll it took on my confidence, self worth etc. so this particular issue resonates with me.

I'm wondering what I can do to help. I'm not an employer unfortunately, so can't recruit. Would providing guidance with job applications be useful? Mentoring? Or would volunteering for a charity that focuses on young people and their mental health be better? Or is it all too futile? Maybe volunteer for an organisation that lobbies government on the matter?

I'm just not sure. Any suggestions from mumsnetters out there?

[sleepismysuperpower1]

you could volunteer for citizens advice? more info www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/support-us/volunteering/about-volunteering-with-citizens-advice/volunteer_roles/ here x

[PicsInRed]

One of the biggest things any of us will do for the young will be to patronise cafes, pubs and restaurants again as soon as they reopen - as these are big employers of the young.

[RozaDiPoza]

Mental health helpline

[SueEllenMishke]

Lots of what you're suggesting requires training and qualifications but you've hit the nail on the head. Two big priorities will be mental health and careers support.
The big problem is that there are skills shortages in both sectors.

[Blabkb1rdB5858]

What can you do ?

I don't know what industry you work in

This is what I've done

My current employer offers a " refer a friend scheme"
I've rewritten friends CVs
I've provided references
I've trained new starters & written process documents

I've worked in lots of different industries
Soft skills are just as important as qualifications
However, I would employ someone who was enthusiastic, over someone with qualifications, but no common sense
Good time keeping
Good communication
Ask questions if unsure
Willingness to learn new skills
Flexibility
Reliability
Take an opportunity
Get up & go positive attitude
If you do a job, do it well, whether it is a one day temporary job or a career
Respect for colleagues

What I hate is
Laziness
Entitlement
I want, I want with zero effort

[ReincarnatedDodo]

Is this for a job application by any chance? Because i am currently filling in the same questions on one...

Good luck if so!

[KatnissMellark]

Volunteer as a governor in a local college or similar.

[Blabkb1rdB5858]

If I was an employer I would want to know what someone has been doing in the lockdown. I would expect to hear; study, volunteering, working, hobbies, learn a new skills, something positive, helping family & friends etc

[TheQueenSnortsAvocados]

Conversely, as an employer who is currently recruiting, I will 100% NOT be asking people to prove how productive they have been under lockdown.

Bare survival has been all some people can manage, and questions that link worth with productivity would be a massive red flag for me.

[ReincarnatedDodo]

@TheQueenSnortsAvocados Please can you also not ask the number of sick days they have had on any reference?

This is really affecting those of us that had to shield via medical certification before the official shielding was introduced. And many of us are not job hunting due to the fact employers won't support us WFH whilst shielding for an extended period of time.

[ReincarnatedDodo]

@Blabkb1rdB5858 Would surviving COVID whilst being on the extremely clinically vulnerable list count?

I mean it shows resilience, strength, that we can get through difficult situations...

[TheQueenSnortsAvocados]

Excellent point Dodo.

[Blabkb1rdB5858]

Another thing that irritates me is people who take jobs, but don't sort out their own transport

I've seen people in the past who have had issues;
Don't drive & relied on colleagues for transport every day, which was not always çonvenient
People who complain about a very long commute, when they knew what the job entailed

[ReincarnatedDodo]

Meant to say now job hunting

My industry seem to have just picked up on the number of sick days given how many times I have been asked it on recent reference requests.

I have refused to answer it so far but unsure if I am doing the applicants a disservice by doing so.

[Blabkb1rdB5858]

Lockdown

The point is that the person would hopefully say something positive. Not that they sat on their xxxx for months