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Employers on hand to boost teenage employability skills

Parents and carers are being urged to take up an opportunity to meet and talk to Barnsley’s employers about the skills young people need to succeed in the workplace.

‘I Know I Can’ industry day on March 5 is part of a drive to boost the employability skills of Barnsley’s youngsters.

The event at Barnsley Metrodome is designed to give the town’s teenagers, their parents and carers, the chance to meet local employers to discuss work and career opportunities after leaving school.

Organised by Business in the Community (BITC) on behalf of Barnsley Council, the event comes as business bosses nationally have called for greater emphasis on the skills employers need from school leavers.

Liz Needleman, area director of BITC England East, said: “‘I Know I Can’ is an excellent initiative to help young people realise the skills they will need to get into the job market.

“Many employers struggle to fill entry-level vacancies because of the lack of skills in the workforce so events such these give young people, their parents and carers the chance to find out at first-hand what employers require.”

The event will showcase the different career and progression paths available to local youngsters as well the type of skills and qualifications required. Employers will be giving tips on applying for jobs and there will be advice on apprenticeships and traineeships.

The day is open to all 12 secondary schools in the Barnsley district and follows on from last year’s successful event when a total of 1400 young people, parents and carers came to find out about post 16 training and education pathways.

‘I Know I Can’ Industry Day takes place on Wednesday March 5 2014 at the Barnsley Metrodome. Schools will be bringing pupils from years nine, 10 and 11 throughout the day and the session for parents and carers runs from 1730-1930.

For further information, contact chelsie.riley@bitc.org.uk or 0113 205 8204

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Business In the Community .