Inspira Column- New Year, New Start

Despite the bad weather, there was a great turnout at the New Year, New Start event at the Advice Services Centre in Barrow  a couple of weeks ago. SARAH WILLIAMS, Inspira’s Area Manager in Furness, talks abut the success of the event, and further opportunities in 2015 for young people to increase their chances of employment. 

On 15th January our New Year, New Start event, showcased the variety of career and training opportunities available in our local area. Training providers and employers who attended included, BAE Systems, NACRO, and Furness College. Most people who attended the event secured an interview with one or more of the providers – proving that hese kinds of events are vital in making those all-important connections, and getting a foot on the career ladder. 

In addition to such events, recent business research commissioned by Inspira underlines the importance of personal development programmes in providing the essential experience and employability skills valued by employers. Employers in Cumbria cited adaptability, positive attitude, leadership, and life experience as qualities of an outstanding employee; the National Citizen Service (NCS) provides the chance to develop these attributes, and prepare young people for working life. NCS recruitment for the Summer 2015 programme is well under way, and,  as I write this, we have had nearly 250 expressions of interest in signing up to NCS from young people in the area.

Preparations have also started for SkillsFest 2015, which will be taking place on Saturday 7th March at the Forum 28 from 11-2:30pm. The annual event provides the chance for young people to learn about future career options from key Furness businesses and training providers. Keep your eyes peeled on our social media channels for more information soon!

If you have any queries about NCS, SkillsFest, or any other opportunities, please do not hesitate to drop in to our centre on Dalton Road or call us on 01229 824052.

The Inspira column can be read every 2 weeks in the North West Evening Mail and The Advertiser.