Businesses asked to Give an Hour to inspire young people

Growth Platform – Liverpool City Region Growth Company has re-launched its successful campaign to encourage businesses to make a difference to the futures of young people in Liverpool City Region.

Due to the pandemic the Give an Hour initiative had to be put on hold – but now Growth Platform’s Careers Hub is calling for more employers and employees to offer an hour of their time to help young people prepare for the fast-changing world of work.

The initiative – run jointly by Growth Platform’s Careers Hub 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.

Gill Walsh, Careers Hub Lead at Growth Platform said: “I am delighted we are in a position to re-launch such a great initiative.

“It is a fantastic opportunity for local business to help support our young people to establish their career path, prepare them for the world of work and raise their aspirations.

“Having local businesses directly involved in careers education lessons brings local job opportunities to life and exposes career options they may have not otherwise considered.”

Gill added: “We are always looking for more people to inspire our young people so I would encourage all employers and employees in the City Region to support this initiative.

“You could be the person who changes the life of a young person, just by showing them what is possible.”

Give an Hour emphasises the importance of tapping into the career opportunities, skills and knowledge of businesses. Activities can include interview practice, mentoring or working with a teacher to bring a lesson to life.

Ian Green, Managing Director at Complete Training Solutions who signed up to be part of the Give an Hour initiative said: “At Complete Training Solutions our health and safety training qualifications specialise in key sectors such as renewables and construction.

“Signing up to the Give an Hour initiative has enabled me to highlight and help students understand some of the wide range of career opportunities that are available to them that they may never have thought existed in our City Region.

“It is such a rewarding experience being able to share my career journey, knowledge and insight with the next generation.”

Anja Koermer, Careers Manager at Childwall Sports and Science Academy said: “The Give an Hour initiative has really helped our students.

“An hour might sound too short to have a real impact, but we know from experience that an hour can create new perspectives and inspire new ideas.

“We have had businesses come in and speak to a school class about their sector and career path as well as giving hints and tips for students exploring opportunities, amongst other activities.

“These interactions make a big difference and can change a young person’s life.”

Employers of all shapes and sizes are encouraged to visit  www.giveanhour.co.uk to find out more and register to support a school or college in their area.