FEATURE
leavers. Through it, we help young people build networks by connecting them directly with employers and equipping them with the skills they need to make smart decisions, easing the transition from school or college.
Through the programme, associates get a job for 12 months with a £9,000 salary along with one-day-a-week of free professional development training, support from a fully-trained mentor, and friends and connections made for life.
“FOUNDED IN
2009, JUST SEVEN YEARS LATER, THE
CHALLENGE EMPLOYS OVER 900 STAFF
AND HAS AN £80M TURNOVER.”
The Challenge already has a strong relationship with some of the industry’s key players, such as Mace and Bouygues UK, and aims to extend its reach in the FM market and to support the industry in upskilling. The charity aims to
www.tomorrowsfm.com
become more compliant with FM, working more closely with the people currently involved in getting young people into the sector.
During the Facilites Show, 15 young people from the Challenge attended the event to raise awareness of the charity and to increase their knowledge of FM by wearing branded T-shirts, handing out magazines, talking to employers on the exhibition stands and attending talks.
One young woman’s experience had led her to be offered a place with a small digital design company. The other had gained fantastic experience in FM with Mace, working at the head office and on-site for a key client, she had gained experience of administrative work, logging jobs through CAFM, helpdesk reporting, liaising with contractors, and dealing with customers face-to-face. She summed up her experience saying that the culture of FM had given her something meaningful to put on her CV, and that she had been inspired to continue in a career in FM, hopefully in a project management role. She encouraged FM businesses to actively get into schools to let more young people know about the fantastic opportunities open to them in the industry.
As well as attracting the highest level of talent to the industry, diversity also plays a key part in getting young people thinking of FM as a career of choice. Over the last fifty years, the UK has become much more diverse by age, ethnicity and income. But despite our growing diversity, many of us spend relatively little time with people from different walks of life.
The Challenge also provides the secretariat for the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Social Integration.
The APRG is an informal group of parliamentarians from across the political spectrum. It brings together parliamentarians from different parties with an interest in improving social integration. Together they explore solutions that break down barriers to integration and create chances for people from all walks of life to build relationships. The APPG is chaired by Chuka Umunna MP, and its Vice Chairs include James Berry MP and Lord Glasman.
Change is needed to create appeal. We need to give FM a sparkle and make it huge to draw in the next generation of entry-level FMs.
www.the-challenge.org TOMORROW’S FM | 21
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