Drawing on their own real-life experiences of employment, the volunteers provided guidance on what makes a great CV and how to make the best impression at interview, before supporting the young people in writing their own CV and carrying out mock interviews to increase their confidence.
In the last year, 17 SSP employees have undertaken such one-day volunteering courses in Halifax and Solihull, which are delivered as part of The Prince’s Trust 12-week personal development Team Programme. The workshops complement the other elements of the programme, such as work experience and community projects, helping young people gain the skills and confidence they need to find work, realise their potential and get their lives back on track.
These CV and interview skills workshops are just one of the ways in which SSP supports The Prince’s Trust. The company also provides its offices free of charge for Enterprise workshops, which enable young people to explore a business idea or the option of self-employment, and has taken part in a range of international sponsored challenges.
SSP became patrons of The Prince’s Trust Insurance Leadership Group in 2006. Since then, the company has donated £392,000 to the youth charity, including a donation of £25,000 during the 2014-15 financial year and given 392 young people the support they need to overcome barriers and fulfil their potential.
Vanessa Morris, The Prince’s Trust Team Leader for the Solihull workshop, said: “Preparing a CV and going to an interview can be a daunting experience for many people, and especially so for the young people we work with.
“These workshops encourage our young people to think about their own values and interests, while enabling them to understand the skills required for the world of work. We are incredibly grateful for all the support provided by SSP in helping us change young people’s lives forever.”
Clare Bates, HR and Transformation Director at SSP, said: “SSP is a company where people matter, right from the investment in our employees through to making an active contribution to the local communities we operate in globally.
“That’s why the company actively encourages employees to take part in a range of volunteering activities, such as these employability skills workshops, and enables them to take up to two days’ paid leave each year to do so.”