Fairbridge visits local businesses to inspire young jobless

Getting a job can seem more and more difficult for young people, especially if you haven’t got experience or qualifications. However, Fairbridge West is showing that local businesses and entrepreneurs are keen to help motivate and inspire jobless young Bristolians.

As part of a week-long course called You're Hired, Fairbridge young people met employees at Airbus in Filton and toured the site to see first-hand the excitement of producing world-class aircraft wings.

Vicky Runcie, Communication Officer for Airbus said, “Airbus supports Fairbridge through funding from the Airbus Corporate Foundation, and we really believe in the personal development work they do with some of the most disadvantaged young people. We were determined to show the young people that anything is possible if they put their mind to it.”

Kim, 19 said “I want to work as a chef and I’m getting an application form to work for Sedexo Catering at Airbus”

Fairbridge manager, Fran Harrison, said, “Youth unemployment nationally has risen over the past year so it can be very daunting if you don’t have qualifications to get a first step on the ladder. Visiting potential employers has made such a difference to how they feel about work and volunteering. – it’s a big thank you to the local businesses for helping us."

The week started with the young people interviewing applicants for our Operations Manager post so they could see for themselves how a selection process works as well as influencing our decision.

As well as Airbus, the young people have visited FareShare and the Volunteer Bureau to find out about volunteer opportunities.

They also met local entrepreneur Chris Chalkley of the People’s Republic of Stokes Croft who got them thinking about making their own business opportunities, had advice from Bristol Credit Union on managing money, and visited the City Inn where they had hands-on experience in the kitchen.

Finally JobcentrePlus reminded them of all the initiatives around to get work experience and mentoring help. All the young people who took part agreed that job searches and CV building seem much more relevant when you can actually visualise where you want to be

Dan, 22 said after visiting the credit union, “My Dad doesn’t trust me to have a bank account as he thinks I’ll mess it up but I’m going to tell him about the credit union where I can manage my money safely.” What's more, Dan got hired after his mock interviews and help from Jobcentre Plus as part of their 'Paid to Train' programme. The post is as a health and fitness trainer, which starts with 5 weeks training (paid while doing it) followed by paid placement of employment as a trainer. He won through against some stiff competition with 45 people after 15 places.

Mim, 21 said “I learnt a lot over the week. I never knew that I could make money out of my artwork until now. I have so many ideas already. I also learnt from interviewing for our new operations manager that you need to be confident – and to be confident you need to prepare”

The young people prepared five top tips to help their friends make the most of a job interview: 1. Research the company, 2. Be confident, 3. Be relaxed, 4. Appearance – first impressions count so dress smart casual or appropriate to the job, 5. Preparation – understand the job description and prepare for questions

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