Tell LifeSkills what you think of their LifeSkills videos – x2 £100 voucher to be won! NOW CLOSED

[MichelleMumsnet]

LifeSkills created with Barclays has asked us to find out what Mumsnetters (and their teenagers!) think of LifeSkills videos.

Here’s what LifeSkills say, “We launched LifeSkills last year to help young people to realise their ambitions and be successful in the future. These new videos, using real life case studies, are designed to highlight how important it is for young people to develop the skills they need for the world of work. We are very proud that so far the programme has helped over 718,258 young people to gain employability skills and more than 10,586 teachers are registered.”

Young people can use the LifeSkills website to complete a range of interactive resources, which are endorsed by City & Guilds, to learn everything from how to write a CV, interview skills and personal presentation through to matching their skills to a career. Additionally, the programme provides schools with a range of free, unbranded lesson plans, workshops and resources for teachers to help pupils aged 11 to 19 develop the skills employers most want. Teachers can then use LifeSkills to help match their pupils to local work experience opportunities”.

You can watch a series of LifeSkills videos below:

What impression do the videos give you of LifeSkills? Do you like the look of it, or not? If so, why? If not, why not? LifeSkills are keen to hear from different groups, so, if you have a teenager we’d love it if you could show a couple of the videos to them and ask them what they think of it. Is it something they’d be interested in? Likewise, LifeSkills are also keen to hear from teachers, so, if you’re a teacher let us know and tell us what you think. Whatever it is, we’d love to hear it!

There are two prizes to be won, x2 £100 Love2Shop voucher (note: these are not associated with Barclays or LifeSkills). One voucher will go to a Mumsnetter who gives their own feedback and one to a teacher who gives feedback. So, when you leave your comment let us know which group you’re giving feedback under and we’ll make sure you’re entered into the correct prize draw.

Thanks and good luck with the prize draw!

MNHQ

[sharond101]

Mumsnetter here. I liked the videos particularly the second one as I believe young people will associate with the young boy who is talking and understand his message. The first one was good too and gave interesting though for young people. They were inspiring and I'd be keen for my children, if I had any of an appropriate age to become involved.

[WowOoo]

I think those videos look great. The body language ones would be good to show to younger children too, before bad habits develop.

There are a lot of basic skills like making eye contact and shaking hands confidently that young people don't see to have these days.

They'd be great in a school setting, particularly to help older ones gain confidence as they enter the job market.

[Queenofknickers]

As the parent of a child who stammers I am appalled by the "um" video. It left him feeling he would never get a job because of his stammer. I've been recruiting for over 20 years and IT IS FINE to um and pause etc either through nerves or whatever. A good interviewer can detect disinterest. However what I'm even more appalled about is that when my husband emailed Barclays Lifeskills to complain he did not even receive a reply.

FGS consider disabilities - a stammer can be crippling enough without ignorance being added in from a major company who should know better.

[itiswhatitiswhatitis]

Agree with Queenofknickers about the 'erm' video actually. It basically says if you say erm you're a loser. That's a pretty crappy message for kids with low confidence.

[unadulterateddad]

I'm really impressed with the videos, it's nice to see a major company making a effort to get a message across to teenagers using other teenagers. Having interviewed a lot of young people, it's sad to see how many of them can't put their real skills across because they have no idea idea how to act in an interview situation.

[Bubbles85]

Mumsnetter here

The videos are really good and show basic skills. It's probably something that would work quite well in lessons at school. I would be happy for my daughter to be shown these when she gets older. It's nice that teenagers themselves are the stars.

[Dolallytats]

I like the videos. They are short and amusing while giving important messages on how changing small things can have a huge impact.

I wish this would be taught in school.

[RabbitIssue]

Mumsnetter

I really like the videos, think they're promoting exactly the sort of skills teenagers/young adults need. Obviously not all children have parents that know/can teach these skills to them, so really good to see them offered. Like the fact that teenagers are used in the videos too rather than adults

I hope they would appeal to that age group but don't know for sure, I'm 39!

[iwantavuvezela]

Mumnetter here.
I really liked the videos and think there is a real space and need for these. I have worked in skills training (job centre related) with young people who are employed; and so many skills that many of take for granted are just known by so many young people who have not been mentored by their own parents/carers etc, as they themselves may never have been employed.
Skills such as how to shake hands, stand up straight, be there on time, take your chewing gum out etc, are all valid and needed.
Anything that helps young people gain skills is needed. These are nice and short, easy to access and I think hits the "mark".

[thewomaninwhite]

Mumsnetter here too.
I agree with others in that I generally like the videos and the ethos behind them. They would be good for use in school settings.

I do also dislike the 'um' one though. I was relieved to read what Queenofknickers wrote about this issue. Thank you QOK.

[InAndOfMyself]

I think the videos are good and present relevant, useful information but I wonder how to get teenagers interested in viewing them and listening to what they have to say.

[threepiecesuite]

Mumsnetter and teacher here!

I love the videos. They captured my attention immediately. Whoever made them knows their audience, they speak volumes.

I think of them often when working with teenagers who seem so ill-equipped for the world of work and it worries me.

[Keepcalmanddrinkwine]

These videos are great, but after reading the comment on the 'um' clip, I'd love to find out what teens think of them. I'll be asking mine tomorrow.

[Demonchops]

I think the videos are a great way of communicating some basic job / interview skills to young people who may not be fortunate to get this education elsewhere- also in a format they will relate to.

I disagree completely with the MN'ers on here who think the Um video is offensive, people who um in interviews all the time do not come across well, and could certainly improve their interview style by dropping the UM. This is not the same as a stammer which is a actual speech impediment.
I have worked in graduate recruitment for a large global company and felt the Um video was music to my ears. Well done Barclays.

[Demonchops]

*an actual

[Butterflywings168]

Mumsnetter.
I have to say I like the scheme in general, it's a great idea.
I share some other posters' concerns about the 'um' video.
I do find the ads a bit dumbed down and basic - I'm aware they are just giving a quick overview of the LifeSkills programme and they have to get their point across in an accessible way, in a short clip, but there's a fine line between that and patronising. E.g. the txt spk one -I don't think I've met a teen who would actually e-mail an employer that their company is 'totes amazeballs xxx'! I'm sure this isn't representative and again, it's a great idea and kudos to Barclays for doing this.

[Demonchops]

Oops am a mumsnetter -sorry!!

[MichelleMumsnet]

Queenofknickers, LifeSkills would like to respond by saying,

"We had no intention to cause offence. LifeSkills exists to help all young people fulfil their potential and encouraging eye contact is just one of a number of tips we offer. The LifeSkills lessons can be adapted for many different audiences. We currently have 270 registered SEN institutions signed up to the programme and we estimate that 2-3 workshops happen on a monthly basis. We are always keen to extend the reach of the programme so what particular needs would you like us to cover?"

[CMOTDibbler]

I think they are great. I don't see applications from anyone, but dh does, and they have to teach their graduates to write a letter properly (and these are high flyers) and not to use txt spk.

[itiswhatitiswhatitis]

Erm I think Barclays needs to work on their listening skills they seem to have completely missed the point of queen's post. She didn't talk about eye contact she was talking about stammering fgs.

[rupert23]

I think they are a good idea and would help young people to get a job and improve their confidence which is a positive thing. I think they would be good for schools as it would make teenagers think about the way they come across to others.

[CheeseEMouse]

Mumsnetter. I'm really not sure about these as a stand alone product. I can see that they are well produced and have good intentions but to be useful I think they have to be backed up with some real face to face interaction and feedback so the young person can see themselves reflected. I hate things like being videoed for presentation skills courses and what have you at work but it's a great way of seeing yourself as others do, so to be truly useful this has to be more than e learning Ithink. Practical skills take practice!

[telsa]

parent: I was really surprised when I saw the spot, after a TV programme. I didn't know what it was at all - and then subsequently realised it was a neat twist on the old public information film. It was really engaging - it was the 'mmmm' one with 'Michael'/ I thought it was well made, made its point succinctly, was reflective of contemporary Britain, was amusing and not patronising. Applause!

[artsymum]

Mumnetter here.
I really liked the videos.There is a space and need for these.

[MakeTeaNotWar]

I think these are great - well made, to the point and not patronising.

These life skills are basic but crucial and are definitely required viewing for today's teenagers. Strike just the right note IMO