Allister Hayman,
Regen.net,
11 March 2010
Graduates in East London struggling to find work will have access to extra support aimed at boosting their job search skills and interview techniques through a new 21st century "finishing school", launched today.
The Fastlaners scheme, funded by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and run by the Young Foundation, an organisation focused on social innovation, will provide graduates in East London with a "crash course" on a variety of "soft skills" for success in the jobs market, including interview techniques, voice training, team working, workplace etiquette and confidence building.
Young Foundation associate director Rushanara Ali said East London has one of the highest rates of graduate unemployment in the UK despite the proximity of Canary Wharf and the City of London. She said the project would give rapid, intensive, high-quality training and support to "make sure graduates get a foot in the door of employment" and would serve as a modern day "finishing school" to help graduates navigate the jobs market.
She said: "The current recession is hitting young people the hardest. It is vital that the enormous talent among young graduates doesn’t get wasted. We can’t afford to have a lost generation."
The Young Foundation piloted the scheme 18 months ago, after which 90 per cent of the students who attended the course were given jobs or placements, Ali said.
Bis has put £100,000 into the scheme, which will run over two years.
