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

[marcc82]

Mumsnetter: very interesting!

[oliveoyl72]

Good info that is likely overlooked in schools. Sometimes it's the little things that can make all the difference.

[cagsd]

I'm a Mumsnetter, not a teacher.
I think these videos look great, and really useful. I was watching the body language film while thinking of my 14 year old who does all the slouching, ape-like stance, and is often too nervous or shy to make eye contact, and imagining him in a few year's time going for an interview! Perhaps showing him this might make him realise how important the "little things" and life skills actually are!

[beckyinman]

Really informative and speaking to the audience well

[Lydia30]

Posting as a Mummsnetter:

I think the length of each video is perfect, long enough to get the point across but short enough to not be boring. Not sure about them being specifically for teenages as a lot of 'adults' could do with them as well.

[libra101]

Great videos, informative and helpful. Friendly tone, they don't 'talk down' to teenagers, and the interactive sections help them to realise their skills and work on making them better.

Teenagers have such a tough job these days gaining qualifications and work skills, these videos are thought provoking.

[Marg2k8]

I find them annoying. I am surprised to find reading this thread that so many people like them.

[annanh]

I like the tone, but I think it is sad that schools don't equip people with the education they need.

[retroquirk]

Interesting enough, Lifeskills should go into schools and teach these details

[spayne89]

mumsnetter: I'm impressed with these videos and wish I had something like this as I feel there needs to be a better way at some basic job / interview skills to young people that they can relate to as this is not always properly taught and could help a lot of young people starting out instead of getting rejected for not being able to present themselves correctly which can demotivate them.

[pontsian]

Short and straight to the point but a little patronising for some teenagers.

[Lynnm196345678]

they are good but i feel they would be better for younger children

[donnatowner]

I really like it. My 15 year old should really watch this as he needs some life skills.

[Happynapi]

Helpful reminder to everyone in lots of different ways. Thinking mainly of those who are very very shy teen and older and younger. Hit the spot quickly. Very effective and back up what I keep trying to get across to my own. I think schools do cover this sort of problem but this is a very useful addition too. I keep hoping to see more and hope that they are repeated in years to come.

[Happynapi]

Should add I am a mum /mumsnetter.

[Funkyferret]

In general, I really liked the videos. It may be wrong but first impressions do have a big impact so appropriate dress and behaviour is important. Teachers and parents may be keen to help and educate but young people may not want their input or think it's valuable so peer advice is a great idea.

[clopper]

I think these are great and would be a great resource for schools. I think messages about posture and confidence are important for young people and it's great that they use young people in the video to demonstrate this.

[sweetnuttydogs]

Great videos well thought out, such a great idea

[jennie1984j]

Its fantastic to give young people more confidence

[JWalker23]

Think it's alright, but I think that it still misses the point.

[nightswift]

Mnetter

I too have seen the ads on tv and been impressed- they are clear, to the point and get the message across in a very teen digestible way. Great that Barclay's are investing in this program.

[faybelle]

informative

[VivaLeBeaver]

Mumsnetter.

I do think the videos are great. But its a shame that afaik kids in schools aren't getting this sort of advice. I've been sent CVs from graduates before who haven't even put their name on the cv, spelling errors, etc.

[farhanac]

Great video and useful advice

[Keepcalmanddrinkwine]

I forgot to say, I was commenting as a mumsnetter not a teacher.