Connectr partners with Jobcentre Plus to support young people into employment

The pandemic has impacted the UK market in a multitude of ways, and the current scale of unemployment is unprecedented. Covid has put 1.7 million people out of work, and the number of people on payroll is 828,000 lower than this time last year. Young people are amongst the hardest hit – 1 in 3 18-24 year olds have either lost their job or been put on furlough since the pandemic began.

To tackle this issue, Connectr are delighted to have joined forces with the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) to launch an innovative mission that will support 18-24 year olds into employment.

Our online mentoring platform will be used by the Jobcentre Plus (JCP) to provide the young job-seekers disproportionately affected by the pandemic with the advice, tools and skills they need to not only secure a job but to succeed in it.

“We are so pleased to be unveiling this brand-new initiative in partnership with the DWP. The project has been designed to offer vital support to young job seekers in the UK, connecting them with employer-mentors and increasing their chances of securing a job and succeeding in it. This is a landmark moment.” – William Akerman, Founder and Managing Director at Connectr.

“Mentoring has such a valuable role in supporting young people with their job search, and it’s great to see the DWP team with Connectr match young people with mentors. Protecting the job prospects of our next generation of workers is at the heart of our Plan for Jobs.” – Mims Davis MP, Minister for Employment

The Connectr platform will be rolled out initially across six job centres in London, with other locations to be follow soon after. Candidates will have the opportunity to choose from a selection of mentors, specifically tailored to them and their needs, from both regional and national employers. Once matched, mentors will support candidates on everything from identifying the right role and preparing for an interview, through to settling into their positions during the first few months.

In addition to the mentoring function, Connectr’s technology will provide candidates with the opportunity to benefit from online learning modules and content designed to develop their communication skills – key for the interviewing process.

Connectr and Jobcentre Plus have received support from major UK employers, including Accenture, Cisco, Skanska, KPMG and Grant Thornton LLP to join the initiative in making a real difference to young people and support them in navigating the challenging climate, and succeed in their future careers. If you want to be part of this mission, get in touch: team@Connectr.com

“The events of the last year mean that initiatives such as the partnership between Connectr and Jobcentre Plus have never been more crucial. At a time where young people are struggling to find employment, empowering them with digital skills, mentorship and guidance will help them not only find a job, but to succeed in their future career.” – Camilla Drejer, Director of Corporate Citizenship, Accenture UK & Ireland

“Navigating the job market is hard enough for those just finding their feet, without throwing the challenges of this pandemic and rising unemployment into the mix. Every business has a role to play in supporting the next generation of talent, especially in the context of social mobility, which isn’t just a matter of fairness but an economic necessity. I’m thrilled that KPMG will be providing mentors to give young people the help they may need to succeed.” – Roisin Murphy and Roisin Sharkey,Co-Heads of Corporate Responsibility, KPMG UK

“We believe that technology presents an opportunity for everyone in the UK. The skills needed to embrace that technology should be accessible wherever and whoever you are, and this is a great initiative to help make that a reality. Our volunteers will be on hand to help people develop the skills that they need to return to the workforce.” – Kathryn Baddeley, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, Cisco UK&I

“Providing opportunities for young talent, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, has never been more important. The economic impact of COVID-19 means an entire generation risks being set back in their future careers, so we are delighted to have the opportunity to provide young people with access to a wide range of mentors from our firm, who can pass on their advice and guidance to those that need it most.” – Karen Campbell-Williams, Partner and Board Sponsor for social mobility, Grant Thornton UK LLP

“Never has there been a greater need for industry to take an active role in supporting people displaced from work. At Skanska, we are proud to be playing our part in providing mentoring, training and other social value activities that leave a genuine and lasting legacy. We have a great opportunity in the construction sector and through the delivery of our projects to provide life-changing experiences that can help people to build their future.” – Susan Ryall, Technical Director, Skanska

If you want to find out how your organisation can join Get into Work and turn D&I strategy in reality, let’s chat.