Help Manchester Academy students to prepare for the world of work
08 Dec 2011
Volunteers from a range of job roles and backgrounds are needed to contribute to University/Academy initiative.
The University is about to embark upon the second stage of its programme of work with Manchester Academy. In recent years the Human Resources Directorate, STARS and the Directorate of Estates have each been involved in a programme of work with Manchester Academy students which has ranged from making films charting their experience of visiting the University to working with staff as part of the course work for a BTEC in Hospitality and Catering.
Manchester Academy is a secondary school which serves Moss Side, Hulme and adjacent communities. As youth unemployment continues to grow, the University and the Academy have developed a mentoring scheme which will give University staff the opportunity to support local young people as they begin to think about their futures.
This new programme, which will run from January to April 2012, builds upon the experiences of the earlier pilot schemes and is in support of Goal 3 of Manchester 2015 Agenda and the wider strategy of contributing to a reduction in unemployment in the University’s neighbouring communities.
The programme will be delivered in small groups and one-to-one. Staff will be able to use their work experience and wider life skills to support, mentor and encourage the young people within a structured setting.
We are calling for volunteers from a range of job roles and backgrounds to contribute to this initiative. In addition to mentoring and group work, the young people will participate in a work experience programme which will give them an insight into how the University operates alongside general experience of the world of work. Work experience will be offered in: administration, catering, estates and technical resources.
All staff members (from any grade or work area) who have been employed for a minimum of two years are eligible to apply to become a volunteer mentor and give around 2 hours a week to helping a Year 10 student prepare themselves for the world of work. Sessions will cover topics such as developing a CV, interview skills and preparing for the first day of work. The mentoring sessions will take place during working hours on campus and all necessary training will be provided.
If you are interested in finding out more and becoming a mentor for this scheme, please contact: