Helping nurture young local talent

March 14, 2012

Home Retail Group colleagues recently marked the start of a mentoring programme to prepare Radcliffe School sixth form students for the world of work in a challenging jobs market.

Through education programme 'Business Class', Group colleagues will one-to-one mentoring sessions with 17 to 18 year olds over the next ten weeks. They will talk through students' interests and advise on how they can develop skills to achieve their aims after college, as well as helping with writing CVs and letters to potential employers.

To illustrate the challenge young people are currently facing in the jobs market, recent figures from Business in the Community, the organisation running 'Business Class', show that 23.6% of people unemployed in Milton Keynes are 18-24 year olds.

"The mentoring programme is a significant part of our plan to ensure our business is helping young people in the community achieve their goals," says Home Retail Group's Lyn Rutherford.

"Our colleagues are visibly enthused about the opportunity to support students and have a positive impact on their futures. We were all extremely impressed with the attitude and enthusiasm of the students who are a great representation of the school."

Speaking of the latest development in the 'Business Class' programme, Radcliffe School head teacher John O'Donnell illustrated the value of the mentoring programme, labelling it an "unqualified success."

"It was clear to all who took part that the partnerships were already valued by business colleagues and students alike," said John. "Our students stand to benefit from sharing the experience of mentors who have embarked on successful careers at Home Retail Group, and are ideally positioned to guide our students through the recruitment process successfully."

"Giving our students such practical one-to-one support and advice is already having a noticeable impact on the confidence and aspirations of our students which should give them an advantage when entering the fiercely competitive job market in the next few months.

"We are very grateful to 'Business Class' for helping us to establish such a positive partnership with Home Retail Group and look forward to a long and mutually beneficial partnership."