As part of national Volunteers’ Week, D2N2 LEP is encouraging employers to make a difference to the futures of young people in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.
The Give an Hour campaign targets small and medium-sized employers (SMEs) to offer as little as an hour of their time to help young people prepare for the fast-changing world of work.
The campaign – run jointly by D2N2 and The Careers & Enterprise Company – highlights that in as little as one hour, organisations can help to transform a young person’s future by bringing to life different career opportunities and providing insight about the skills young people need to be work-ready and successful in the workplace.
As part of The Careers & Enterprise Company’s expanding network, schools and colleges benefit from an estimated 100,000 hours of senior business volunteers’ time in the last year alone.
In a recent survey, 85% of these business volunteers said their motivation for taking part was to contribute to the local community, and 75% said they wanted to improve outcomes for young people.
With 16.3 million people working in an SME, representing 60% of all private sector employment in the UK, these businesses are key to ensuring all young people get the opportunities they need.
The Give an Hour campaign emphasises the importance of tapping into the career opportunities, skills and knowledge of small businesses – and their willing volunteers.
D2N2 Careers, Employability, and Inclusion Manager Rachel Quinn said:
“As an organisation thoroughly committed to improving career opportunities for young people, Volunteer’s Week is a great way to express our appreciation for all those who contribute to our area and make a difference in the life of a young person.”
Claudia Harris, Chief Executive of The Careers & Enterprise Company said:
“Volunteer’s Week is the perfect time to say a huge ‘thank you’ to the army of volunteers who are already giving their time to schools and colleges – and to encourage even more to get involved.
“Schools and colleges in [area/region] value this enormously and it makes a real difference to how well they are able to help prepare their young people for the world of work. Young people can’t be what they can’t see. Real world experience can light that spark or initiate a new vision for the future.
“But we still need more businesses to get on board with our campaign and support schools and colleges, whether that’s through volunteering their time through mentoring, careers talks or work experience.”
Employers of all shapes and sizes are encouraged to visit www.giveanhour.co.uk to find out more about volunteering and register to support a school or college in their area.
Media wanting further information about the D2N2 LEP can contact D2N2 Social Media and Marketing Officer Luke Stott on 0115 9578749 or email: Luke.stott@d2n2lep.org
