How It Works

GETTING AHEAD is a programme of employability skills based conferences for young people in Tower Hamlets secondary schools. Group Advisors - an adult volunteer with experience of life/work/business - work with small groups of young people through several workshops across a day long conference.

Tower Hamlets EBP organise a one or two day conference at either the school involved or another Tower Hamlets venue. Each workshops covers a certain area of the world of work. These areas include first impressions, employer expectations, problem solving, communication skills, presentation skills, putting together a good CV or application form, interview skills and team work.

The conferences are chaired by the Getting Ahead manager from Tower Hamlets EBP. There are usually around 80 students at each event and they are split into teams of 7 or 8 with a Group Advisor each.

If you have any queries about this scheme, please email Ian.Pope@thebp.co.uk or call 020 7655 0308.

What's covered in the conferences?

The conferences aim to cover two general areas:

Work skills - first impressions, writing a CV, completing an application form, interview technique, how to behave in the workplace, what will be expected of you, etc.

Life skills - working with people, listening and communicating, problem solving, following and interpreting instructions, etc.

Students also get to know their Group Advisor and find out more about the Advisor's chosen career and the path they took to get it.

What would I do as a volunteer?

Volunteers act as Group Advisors to a group of students. Their role is to guide, support and motivate their team as they work through the workshops, while also maintaining the order and focus of their group. The Group Advisors act as role models and add real experience and credibility to the conferences.

The conference is designed to be useful for all students whatever plans for post-16 they may have. The workshops are short, active and fun. Volunteers build up a real rapport with their group and really enjoy themselves.

Support and Resources for Volunteers

Before the day, you will be given information on your role, a timetable and directions to the venue. The Advisors are briefed thoroughly on the morning of the event by the conference chair person from THEBP. Group Advisors also receive guidelines and materials - a Group Advisor 'pack' - to use in each session.

Teachers are present throughout for support and to ensure that Group Advisors can concentrate on supporting their students.

Refreshments will be available through the day and lunch will be provided.

Benefits for Students

• Exposure to the world of work and employer expectations.
• Improved employability skills and knowledge.
• A positive role model.
• Increased self confidence and self esteem.
• Broadening of horizons.
• Helps students identify their own skills and achievements.

The conferences are usually organised prior to pupils going out to Work Experience and many students find that Getting Ahead is useful in helping them to prepare for their two week placement.

Benefits for Volunteers

It's not just the students who gain something from the conferences:

• Develop communication and management skills.
• A good team working opportunity for colleagues volunteering together.
• Chance to do something different and have a positive impact on the development of local young people.
• Opportunity to test skills in a new, challenging environment.
• Helps to put work into perspective.
• Opportunity to learn about different cultures and religions.
• Exciting team building opportunity for colleagues volunteering together.
• Chance to meet Advisors from other organisations.


Case Studies

Various student comments from 2006/07:

"Working with my group has helped me build more confidence…"

"It was fun, challenging and enjoyable."

"Now I have an idea of what is expected by an employer."

"I liked working and getting advice from real business people. Also we were treated as 'young business people' rather than students."

"I enjoyed doing presentations, being brave by speaking in front of people."

"I liked being challenged with new things… being treated like an adult."

"Our Group Advisor was very helpful. He guided us on what to do and was
very supportive."

"World of work here I come!"

Volunteer comments:

"I thought everything was extremely well structured and we were supported well."

"The conference was a brilliant success. The day was formally structured but had enough scope to give additional time where needed. The THEBP Chair gave assistance where required and managed to hold the attention of the participants with ease."

"[The students] have obviously given a great deal of thought to their futures as
a result of the programme."

"Personally I also gained from the course, as it helped focus on aspects of team work and common goals that we all need in the business world."

"What a delight! They [students] were superb throughout!"

"They learned much and developed great confidence."

"I have really enjoyed the conference and have learnt things about myself.
I will be recommending this to colleagues when I get back to work!"

School comments:

"If it wasn't worthwhile we would not take four days out of the school curriculum.
GETTING AHEAD clearly benefits our pupils in their preparation for adult life."
Head Teacher, Langdon Park Secondary School