Partner Article

Young Chamber UK introduce careers platform

Kevin Smith, Chief Executive of Young Chamber UK, introduces the 5th Matrix platform, helping young people to inform themselves about business.

Youth unemployment is now running at record levels, and this is bad news not just for young people, but for the whole economy.

Young Chamber UK has built a solid framework within which the worlds of education and business can come together to develop tomorrow’s workforce, and improve the life chances of the next generation of employees and entrepreneurs.

One element of that framework is 5th Matrix, a careers and networking platform which helps students make informed choices about their future careers.

5th Matrix is a fun and effective way for students to think about their future career at an early age.

Claire Young, former finalist in The Apprentice - now a business woman and founder of TeenBiz - is Honorary President of Young Chamber UK. She said: “At a time when the country needs entrepreneurs as well as people who value and enjoy their work, 5th Matrix is the perfect package.”

The 5th Matrix concept has been embraced by schools around the country, and the feedback is very positive.

What we need now is for more businesses to get involved. Those who sign up get a presence on the site which means students can find out more and be enthused about the company, they can further research, develop and collect information about careers opportunities, and the skills and training required.

Young Chamber UK believes it is never too early to introduce young people to the world of business, and 5th Matrix uses social media techniques which means anyone of any age can explore jobs and careers, share information, and make contact with businesses in a safe and interactive environment.

The concept of Young Chamber is dedicated to ensuring that young people of all levels of ability and background are equipped with the skills needed to fulfil their aspirations and achieve their goals in life.

It engages local businesses, via the Chambers of Commerce and other business networks, to work with and support young people in education so that they gain a greater understanding of the world of work, and the fantastic opportunities that exist for them post education.

Local employers provide information and support for a range of enterprise activities that are organised and carried out by the young people, providing them with an insight into how business works, and the skills and attitudes that employers look for from their future employees.

Since 2008:

• 336,516 young people participated in an enterprise activity with Young Chamber
• 48,969 employee hours were committed to working with young people engaged in Young Chamber activity
• 24,346 young people took an active role in developing and delivering plans for their Young Chamber
• 11,432 companies participated in Young Chamber activity

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .