Local charities partner to bring employability prospects to Hackney youth

(17/10/20)

This week, local charity The Wickers, in collaboration with youth mentoring and training initiative Shadow To Shine, will be delivering a five-week employability programme to a group of young people in Hackney, equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to tackle the world of work.

The course, set-up and delivered through Shadow To Shine’s network of experienced industry professionals, will provide six young people from The Wickers Charity with training and tips for a range of challenges the professional world presents, including; stress management, budgeting, setting targets, public speaking and presentation. Participants will also attend specialised workshops on how to write CVs and cover letters effectively, interview practice, as well as partaking in specific industry Q&As.

The course originally would have reached up to thirty participants, but owing to new COVID-19 government restrictions, the number has had to be drastically reduced. Youth employment prospects are currently at an all-time low, particularly for members of BAME communities in inner-city London, of whom both organisations primarily work with.

Korinna Williams, Director of Shadow To Shine, said: “Whilst the new restrictions mean we’ve had to cut numbers and change the way we work, we are still determined to support young people in any way we can. We are thrilled to be partnered with The Wickers Charity, who have allowed us access to their local network to deliver specific training and support the young people on their dream career path.”

The Wickers Charity Service & Delivery Manager, Kieran Harris, added, “the group we work with are really excited about the new employability programme. I can’t wait to watch them grow and boost their confidence in the weeks to come.”

The course will be delivered in a COVID secure venue in Hackney, with sessions running twice a week in the evenings.