NOW CLOSED: Talk work experience experiences and views with Barclays: one MNer will win a £200 JL voucher

[AnnMumsnet]

You may have seen something about it already - but if not then we'd like to introduce, LifeSkills created with Barclays. This new programme is being supported by Mumsnet and is designed to help get one million young people ready for work by 2015.

For loads more info click here.

Barclays want to know from you:

~ What are the skills you think young people really need today to get them ready for the workplace, and do you think they are being taught them?

~ Do you think things were any better when you were at school? Have things improved?

~ And what was the one thing you wish you had known before starting out in the world of work?

Let us know your thoughts on this thread - everyone who adds a comment will be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win a £200 John Lewis voucher

Thanks
MNHQ

Also - for another chance to win that voucher, please share on this thread if you do anything to support the LifeSkills programme - eg if you share it with your school, with another parent, with your employer, or with your company etc.

[domesticslattern]

What are the skills you think young people really need today to get them ready for the workplace, and do you think they are being taught them?

I interview young people on occasion and am constantly amazed by the massive clutch of qualifications yet them lacking very social skills. It's just not on to go to sleep in meetings (very visibly!); to sit silently throughout a 1 hour meeting because you can't find a way to contribute, even when invited; go all shy and chew your hair when asked your opinion; rock up to a fairly formal office in dirty jeans and sandals; answer the phone "Yeah?". And most of all, it's not on to look so totally bored by the whole process of having to interview or work at all! It's just about a grown-up attitude to the whole thing. There are plenty of great young people who are exceptions of course- and I always look for enthusiasm and a willingness to learn- most other things can be taught.

~ Do you think things were any better when you were at school? Have things improved?

I don't think things were much better then TBH. I think people in their late teens and early twenties often find it hard to disguise their real feelings/ fit into a different kind of everyday culture/ pretend to love things you hate/ wear things that "aren't your style" etc., and of course in the workplace that is what you need to do! It's the nature of the beast.

~ And what was the one thing you wish you had known before starting out in the world of work?

Always be nice and professional and friendly and enthusiastic to every single person you meet. Never ever think a person or a task is below you. That cleaner or receptionist or very boring man from accounts - or the knowledge that you gained from that tedious admin task- might just save your career one day. It's why Chief Execs learn so much when they go back to the coalface.

[rosie17]

Here are some of the most basic skills/qualities I think a young person needs to enter the workplace

-punctuality

-politeness

-honesty

-the ability to show at least enthusiasm if not passion for the product, service etc

• the ability to research the field before hand
  

• A developed good telephone manner
  

• Obviously great computer skills are a must these days - and some employers are esp interested in young people who know their way around social media for business promotion purposes
  

-good basic communication skills ie don't mumble give good eye contact and the willingness to smile every now and again!

[Catiinthehat]

~ What are the skills you think young people really need today to get them ready for the workplace, and do you think they are being taught them?

More confidence and how to approach interviews. More opportunities to present and more opportunities for independent thinking.

Many schools are doing well in my opinion however, it is important to ensure students do as well as they can academically so they do have the tools required and learn to stretch their minds and have the determination to achieve and work hard.

~ Do you think things were any better when you were at school? Have things improved?

I think academically things do improve year on year as schools progress. In terms of respect and discipline, I think many times there is too much emphasis on the school- of course they have a responsibility but it also requires parents to be involved with their children AND the school. Schools and parents need to work together. A school can be as strict as they like but if there are parents who disagree with the discipline and don't discipline their own children then whatever the school does is futile.

~ And what was the one thing you wish you had known before starting out in the world of work?

How to get more work experience

[IvySquirrel]

What are the skills you think young people really need today to get them ready for the workplace, and do you think they are being taught them?

Excellent literacy & numeracy, punctuality, a pro-active attitude and a big smile!

~ Do you think things were any better when you were at school? Have things improved?

I think some things are better, some are worse. Young people now have more confidence and more experience of teamworking. However their spelling can be terrible!

~ And what was the one thing you wish you had known before starting out in the world of work?
The importance of positivity and smiling.

[AnnMumsnet]

Hi - thanks for all the comments. Am pleased to say CMOTDibbler has been selected as the winner of the £200 JL voucher. Well done!