Confidence and ISMM qualifications for NEET young people's group
A group of unemployed young people in Bedfordshire have not only improved their job prospects and their overall confidence levels but have achieved a professional business qualification as well.
The young people - who were all 'not in education, employment or training' (NEETs) - were taking part in a three month long, part-time, course which was run by Eureka Youth CIC on behalf of Central Bedfordshire Council to help address the national and local issue of unemployment among young people.
In addition to using innovative teaching methods to improve the young people's employability skills - notably covering interview techniques, CV support, self-presentation and self-belief - the programme examined sales and customer service skills via the Institute of Sales and Marketing Management (ISMM)'s curriculum.
Moreover, all the participants in this NEET programme passed their nationally recognised ISMM Level 1 Sales Qualification. Topics covered in the qualification include the sales cycle; understanding consumer behaviour; understanding marketing, and developing customer services skills
Since completing the course and achieving their ISMM qualification, all of these young people have gone on to find work placements and - with Eureka's on-going support - are actively looking for full-time work or an apprenticeship. Two of them have also enrolled in further education courses.
One of the group, Kevin Tyler, aged 19, said: "I really try to make eye contact and listen to what people are saying now. I feel in control of my life!"
His colleague, Anthony King, also aged 19, commented: "I know that, when I have my first interview, I'll feel so much more confident - and able."
And Curtis Taylor, 19, added: "I now find myself applying things that I've learned on the course in day-to-day life."
Denise Edens, the ISMM's Director of Education, who was on hand to watch the young people receive their ISMM certificates, commented: "It's great to see young people being prepared for a variety of different jobs as well as being encouraged to have more confidence in their day-to-day life - which should prove invaluable to them throughout their future careers. I'm sure that investing their time and effort in achieving ISMM qualifications should stand them in good stead in the world of work."
One of the guest speakers on the course - Ben Turner, the ISMM's National Sales Manager - said: "Research by the CBI has revealed that some 74 per cent of employers believe that school leavers lack business awareness and 50 per cent say that young people don't have the commercial skills that they need to survive in the business world.
"So the ISMM, which promotes sales excellence across UK businesses, was delighted to be able to help in this Eureka programme to enable young people to develop key, real world skills to ensure their future economic wellbeing."
End
A photograph of Denise Edens with these young people after they received their ISMM qualifications is available, on request from Bob Little Press & PR (tel +44 (0)1727 860405 or email [email protected])