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

[lucyrobinson]

I think the videos are great. Such a place for these in todays education.

[Michelle1985]

I think the videos highlight exactly what is happening to many of our youth - known fondly as the play station generation to many! I appreciate there are teenagers with extra needs and the small fraction this won't apply to, however, overall I feel that this generation don't have the skills their parents and grandparents have - social skills. It's not their fault, but they do need help at building upon those 'softer skills'.

Unfortunately while technology helps massively in some areas, we have a large amount of the population that no longer just talk to people - in fact if you are on the tube no one speaks to anyone - and as someone who works with younger employees its quite astounding at the low amount of interaction that is taking place and I genuinely worry about these children in the world of work. The amount of NEET teenagers backs up the need for these soft skills to be taught.

I think its great to see Barclays take social responsibility and help the youth of today. I can completely understand the concerns some people have raised, but I do think its a good thing to introduce these videos/adverts/teachings at all levels

[nerysw]

I think these are a great idea and would be happy for my kids to learn skills like this when they're a bit older. In a previous job I sat on a lot of interview panels and I think the lack of skills like these was usually seen as disinterest from the applicant.

[pixelwife]

I understand what the videos are trying to do but I fear they can alienate some young people as some of them can appear a little patronising. However, anything that supports young people in enhancing their work prospects is a good thing so should be encouraged whilst building up their self-confidence and not knocking it!

[JennyOnTheBlocks]

I haven't seen all the videos, on phone right now, but am interested because I've seen that Barclays reply almost word for word the same, on a completely different forum, where a member had called them out on eye contact and it's relevance for people with autism.

So maybe Barclays aren't that interested in hearing what MNers have to say at all. . .

[clopper]

Forgot to add posting as teacher

[Ememem84]

Mumsnetter: I really like the videos. I think they're informative straight to the point and really Make you think. I'm 30 and have started reevaluating my conscious body language.

It's thinks like this which are useful. Young people seeking work should be advised on how to act talk etc in an interview to increase their chances.

[FUZZ62]

Personally, i think that they mock the stereotypical young person as seen from a middle aged adult, although the video is aimed at the children i do not believe that the right way to go about interacting with all youngsters is to generalise them all speaking and acting in one way. Do all 'scousers' steel things? are all terrorists from 1 religion?

Im not sure generalising a minority is the right way to go about talking to a majority.

No Offence.

[JBH316]

I do like the message that they are putting across but the 'erm' one is very annoying

[nicctaylor]

I like the videos, I think teens will be able to relate to them easily and take on board the positive message they are trying to portray.

[spiroo]

First of all, I clicked on the video clip, [sigh!] typically! no subtitle or any closed caption! so that is END!

[tinam1]

The videos are ok, a few good tips maybe should be aimed at a younger audience though.

[Sellins]

Informative, and we'll targeted and a lot of people can learn from them

[Ritakd]

Brilliant! Well thought through, informative & great fun. Well done.

[Bobbylolly570]

I like them, funny and informative.

[cluckyhen]

I think they are a fantastic idea. Too many children do not have the right skills in place to be confident in interviews.

[Kangakate]

The videos are informative without being to serious. I think they are geared to and should connect with the young working generation, without being patronising.

[akshay23]

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.

[Annbunce]

The videos are brilliant and promote the life skills that not only teenagers, but all of us need to be aware of.
The have a positive informative message.
Fab !!!

[manley10001]

fantastic and informative

[savo888]

I think it's inspiring and it got me thinking about body language and behaviour and I'm in my 30's. It would be great for younger people to watch to give them the confidence for when they enter the world of work.

[Princessxo]

Mumsnetter.

If I had a child at the relevant age group, then I could see this working. I quite liked the videos, but for me I think there should be an addition to sort of expand on what else they do.

[Jezzamk]

They are good videos and because they are short they should get the message across.

[kel1981]

They are informative and useful for young people who perhaps haven't had the right social guidance

[mooncheese]

Mumsnetter -

I agree with the points made about the 'um' video. I think if you tell young people that they cannot um then they will tend to get even more flustered when it does accidently happen. apart from this the other videos were great and very informative. Good lessons I wish I had been taught when I went for my first interview.