FEATURE
SKILLS & TRAINING
to succeed in school, then to move on to further study, training or a job. We currently work in five schools in Nottingham (soon to be six), six in London and six schools across Kent. A big focus for us is getting these students ‘work-ready’.
So what methods do we use that are effective for our young people, your future employees? We place a progression coach in each school who works
closely with 50 young people for a five-year period, raising their aspirations, broadening their horizons, giving them exposure to the workplace and supporting them to overcome barriers. We have created a taxonomy that underpins all our
interventions. We talk about self-awareness, self- assuredness, resilience, organisation, communication, drive, receptiveness and being equipped. Coaches design activities and set goals to support young
people to progress along the scale in each skill. We deliver coaching so that the approach we use to get them to look at obstacles, including their own behaviour, is non-threatening. In short, we work on developing their ‘soft’ skills. Young people also spend time with a mentor in one of
our partner businesses – KPMG, Experian, Nottingham Trent University and Nottingham City Homes. These companies and others also provide insight days to give young people vital exposure to the workplace. These interventions support the many young people who
simply don’t have the advantage of family or friends that can give them that vital leg up – for example a relative to help get them meaningful work experience or who can tell them about what to expect if they go to university, based on their own time there. Think for a moment about that person who sold you
something that you were wavering over. What was the thing that made you buy their service, product or concept? More often than not, it will be eye contact and using the right language, it will be listening to your needs and making the service, product or concept meet your need in
ThinkForward has methods in place that are effective at getting students ‘work-ready’
‘ThinkForward adds value to schools by giving young people – your staff of the future – the employability skills they need to succeed’
your own mind – making it your decision to buy. Yet, they have ‘sold’ you something. It's the ‘soft’ skills that help us do well in interviews and
jobs, they help us get along with colleagues, and ensure that we get our point across without rancour. This is what schools are often unable to deliver for employers. Schools are judged on attainment and progress in academic subjects but that is only one aspect of ‘work’. ThinkForward adds value to schools by giving young
people - your staff of the future – the employability skills they need to succeed in the workplace, and in life. It is looking for businesses local to Nottingham that can provide young people with insights into the world of work.
44 business network July/August 2018
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